Tonga

Nuku’alofa, Tonga  February 19, 2025

We walked off the ship into the town. We could tell that we were getting closer to the equater because the heat and the humidity were remarkably high. We were planning to just do a walk about in the town since none of us had been here before.

 

Locals demonstrated local music and moves.

We walked to the President’s house and were surprised to see a police car escorted entourage coming to the entrance gate. It was the president dressed in military uniform. We were told no pictures, but it was exciting to see the president of Tonga…very unexpected. The flag immediately went up over the mansion….just like in Great Britain when the King and Queen arrive. 

We walked through the neighborhood enjoying every bit of shade we could find coming up on the old cathedral that was in bad shape from a years ago storm. We continued on and found the rebuilt cathedral down the street. 

We discovered some unusual fruits growing on trees.

We entered the Cultural Center to watch some young folks put on a dance show. Arts and crafts were available to purchase. Weaving demonstrations were there as well. 

Larry and I grabbed some liquid refreshment in an open air establishment and sat down to people watch before escaping back to the air conditioning on the ship.

Apia, Samoa

 Apia, Samoa    February 17, 2025

We arrived in Apia and walked off the ship around 8:30 to pick up three scooters to ride around the island. Larry and I were excited to visit Apia, Samoa for our first time. What an adventure! The temperatures at sea level were quite warm, but the air in the mountains was very refreshing with the wind rushing past us on the scooters.

                                 

 Larry and I had a bit of a thrill as the smooth road turned to gravel due to road construction. Larry put on the brakes going down a steep hillside riding 2 up, to discover that the brakes were nearly gone. Oh My Stars! Jay swapped scooters with us and we carefully mosied on. 

We hiked back to the Togitogiga Waterfalls. Gorgeous!

We passed many homes with palapas….large outside porches. They were living room extensions to their homes. These outside rooms were cooler than having a room with walls.

Families are very close in Samoa and they traditionally live together. When a daughter or son marry, they live with one of their parents which makes for the need to have a large gathering place.

The palapas were huge, much bigger than our front porches.

We enjoyed chatting with this friendly Samoan.

We passed many local churches in the villages.

         We passed many scenic areas...

     truly, we were in a tropical garden.

Next we found the Sopoaga Waterfall and ate a picnic lunch. 

Once the storm passed, we rode back to Apia and scootered around the town. How Jay loved those round abouts…trying them out twice! What fun! What a great day!

 

Luckily we found a covered bench to sit under while a storm passed over.

Once the storm passed...

we headed back toward Apia passing by school children who loved to high five us as we went by.

The ride took us along the coastline with lovely view of the ocean.

The local transportation buses reminded us of the American Samoa public buses.

Upon returning to Apia we motored through the town before returning the scooters.

What a fantastic day! 

We were anxious to go back to our wonderful ship for a little R&R.

Next stop, Tonga after a day at sea.