The days since I last posted have been busy ones.  Not entirely unexpected considering the evolution of the pesky Covid-19 virus.  It obviously affects us more than most situations and the lines have been ‘hot’.  Various countries that we call are at are being more stringent with Health declarations and requiring more detail, it’s a long and ongoing process.  We have changed itinerary, avoiding Indonesia and Singapore and the current plan is that, after we leave Darwin, Australia, we head west, towards Sri lanka and India. With all that is involved it’s hardly surprising that I haven’t found time to sit here and write, until now, that is.

Nuku’alofa is part of the Kingdom of Tonga and is the main island of the group.    Accessing the port involves a long, circuitous route through the reefs within the atoll that surround the town itself.  We started our entry at the north side of the outer reefs and an hour later slowed down to embark our harbour pilot; when the boat came alongside, he was accompanied by 6 officials from the ‘Health Taskforce’, who inspected the ship and paperwork before giving us the ‘green light’ to dock 45 minutes later.  We were the first Cruise ship to make it in several weeks, many having been turned away previously.

As we approached the berth, passing the Royal palace, the sound of music from the Police Band could be heard, they traditionally play when ships arrive.

We were off to tour, K1 and myself and 2 guests on board, Leon and Jan, from Holland; they are an absolute riot, their sense of humour had me laughing most of the day, no mean feat after my previous days .  We jumped into a car, driven by an enormous Tongan, Sam.  looking at the size of him, he had to be a rugby player, sure enough, he was.

First call, across the island to the Blowholes, or Mapu ‘a Vaea and, as we made our way across the island, hunting for Flying Foxes (bats).  We actually found those later, however the Blowholes are stupendous and worthy of part of the video which I’ll post later in this.

Having spent some 30 minutes here we made our way back. all the while looking for those bats, we (Sam) eventually found some ‘hanging around’ in the trees.  (Don’t forget you can open these photos in a larger size by right-clicking and opening in a ‘new tab)

Onwards then back towards the town and past the Royal Palace, (photos earlier), however also an opportunity for a photo of the “Amsterdam”…..

We passed the Royal Tombs, where Tongan Kings and Queens are interned.

Opposite the Tombs is what once was the Basilica, now in a state of disrepair, badly damaged by a force-5 cyclone in 2017, it is unlikely to be restored.  A shame, we were last here on a Sunday and the singing emanating from the church had to be heard to be believed, (Tongans all have wonderful voices)

Then briefly into town, K1 needed some hot peppers and the market is just the place to find them.

Then onto lunch; we went back to a waterfront restaurant that Karen and I found last call, then we had lobster, this time something different, but equally delicious.

And now?  The video!  Tomorrow we dock in Auckland, New Zealand/