Friday, January 23 – transit from Fiji to Tonga

I’m off to Tonga today. I’ve taken the bus from the airport into Nadi a couple times, but not the other way around. Let’s change that!

My flight isn’t until 12:30pm, so I have plenty of time to wait for the bus. The stop is a 5 minute walk from my hotel, and I checked out around 9:30am. Probably overkill on the timing, but that’s alright. There was a gentleman already at the stop, and he confirmed that I was at the right place for an airport run. And he later made sure I was boarding the correct bus. Thank you!

I arrived at the airport super early; not a huge deal though. I used the time to stop by the Fiji Airways office to see if I could get a seat assignment on my flight to Brisbane next month. This is the ticket I booked via Qantas, with my final destination being Singapore. The second leg of the itinerary, from Brisbane to Singapore, is operated by Qantas, and I could pick my seat. The first part though is a Fiji Airways flight, and I couldn’t choose a seat. Mmmmm…

Well, I had no luck on the assignment. The (very nice) agent told me that seating selection would open 48 hours before departure. Okay. But she mentioned that the flight wasn’t very crowded. Good to know! And she also gave me some recommendations on local food to try when I return to Fiji next week. Will do. Thanks!

Unlike my flights to and from Samoa, today’s 737 to Tonga was completely full. I had a window seat, and next to me was a little girl who slept the entire flight. All good. Plus, it was only a 90 minute flight. But they still managed to provide food service! A tasty chicken panini. Like my Samoa ticket, this island hopping round trip is rather expensive – 485 USD. I guess Fiji Airways has a kind of monopoly in this part of the South Pacific!

Here are a couple pictures from the flight…

This is Wailoaloa Beach, where I’ve been walking the last couple days. The area that has been cleared by the water is the new housing development.

In the immigration line I met a Greek Orthodox priest who has a church here in Tonga. He said the congregation is pretty small. Not surprised! The church is close to town, so I may have to check it out!

The only option to get from the airport to Nuku’Alofa, where I’m staying, is by taxi. I pre-booked a ride through my hotel at a cost of 70 Tongan Paʻanga (30 USD) for the 30 minute ride.

Like Samoa, Tonga is 1 hour later than Fiji. Back to 19 hours ahead of Madison.

I’m staying at the Little Italy Hotel (run by an Italian married to a Tongan woman)

Saturday, January 24 – Nuku’Alofa

My room is second floor, middle

Just as I was getting ready to head out on my usual walkabout, it started pouring rain. Thankfully I wasn’t out the door a little bit earlier!

The downpour didn’t last very long though, and it actually felt like it cooled down a little as I made my way into town (about a 15 minute walk from the hotel). Now, I did take a bunch of pictures as I explored Nuku’Alofa, but the day was overcast and not very picturesque. And I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be much better, so I’ll probably revisit some of those locations then. (I wonder how I know this???)

My first stop was the Talamahu Market.

The ground floor is mainly produce

There is also a second floor, selling crafts and souvenirs. I checked it out, but not all that interesting to me.

And as I walked through the market (and around town) I had the impression that Tongans are generally not very friendly (or maybe I should instead say “outgoing”). Of course, the bar was set pretty high by the Samoans!

There’s a nice walking path along the waterfront. As I approached the jetty up ahead, I noticed there were some people swimming. Let’s take a look…

…I was able to get a candid picture of the boys, but then they noticed me…

…and had to pose (all except one)!

Another market, this one along the roadside.

I noticed some people coming out of Panda Tea with some smoothies that looked pretty good. I think I’ll investigate.

I had a concern about the source of the water used to make the ice used in the smoothie. Tap water wouldn’t do! I was told that they used filtered rainwater. Mmmmm. I was on the fence, but then the two women seated off to the right in the picture encouraged me to go for it. Sold!

Mango smoothie, 8 TOP (3.50 USD). It was very good! Except it was so good, I ate it too fast. Brain Freeze!

If my stomach survives, I’ll definitely be back for another Panda Tea smoothie!

On my way back to the hotel, I picked up a few things at the grocery store (my room has a mini-fridge).

The tide is very low. In fact…

…there are some folks way out there, maybe fishing or crabbing?

Sunday, January 25 – Nuku’Alofa

Smoothie Update: No stomach issues! I’ll be returning to Panda Tea!

A pretty sunrise this morning! (my room faces north) I know, what am I doing up so early??

And as I predicted, it’s a beautiful day; let’s make another photo run in town!

On Sundays pretty much everything is closed (except churches!). I’m expecting it to be rather quiet as I walk around (not a bad thing!).

I noticed this fella strolling along the waterfront as I came out of the hotel!

I’m approaching the Tonga Royal Palace (ca. 1867)

The Palace is not open to the public. I’m sticking my camera through the fence to get these pictures.

Tonga is the only Pacific nation never to have been controlled by foreign powers, and is the last remaining Polynesian monarchy. The ruling royal family of Tonga can be traced back more than 1,000 years.

This is a memorial to the Tongans who served in World Wars I & II.

There is a shop open today! Sadly, not Panda Tea, but maybe Coastline has something cold to drink?

No smoothies here, but they did recommend their watermelon juice. But first, I had to ask about the ice? They buy it pre-made, in bags. Perfect!

8 TOP (3.50 USD). It was very good, and no brain freeze this time! It’s a close call, but I think I prefer the mango smoothie.