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KINGDOM OF TONGA - Vava'u |
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Sailed into Nieafu the main town in the Vava'u group of islands, northern Tonga and immediately realised we were back in a third world country. The people were huge, and fortunately very friendly. If it weren't for the Moorings yacht charter base here, they wouldn't see many outsiders! This was reflected in the market where there was heaps of produce as long as you liked taro and tomatoes! No lettuce, carrots or "Western" veggies! As soon as we arrived it started raining, and hardly stopped for 2 weeks. There was a fleet of Kiwi cruising boats in port who had just completed a rally from Auckland in pretty rough weather and were letting their hair down. Great bunch of drunkards. Ex Kiwi Rick introduced us to the local rotgut , and invited us as guest crew on his folkboat "Damn" for the Friday night fun race - which we won! of course! |
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Winners are grinners - and we got a T-shirt to prove it!
To get away from the infamous Mermaids Bar, pictured left during a morning lull, we motored out to Port Maurelle, a sheltered beach anchorage. From here we explored the Swallows Cave with the family von Britt, and hiked to some remote villages where there are 4 churches for every inhabitant, and more pigs than dogs! [Little do they know they're being fattened up for a Tongan feast!] The sun came out 1 day and we did get to snorkel.
The Kiwis found our hideout, and moved in on- mass for a teriffic beach barbecue, huge fire and guitar accompanied sing-song. We all dug deep in the memory banks for words to golden oldies - a memorable night!
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Had intended to stay longer exploring the outer islands, but there was no break in the weather, so set off for Fiji while there seemed to be a weather window! Ha Ha Ha!! |
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