Before talking about today's port, I'll include our latest certificates. I'm not sure that we've ever crossed the International Date Line before, but it's nice getting a certificate for something I accomplished while sleeping. ha!
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| and last night's beautiful sunset |
Day 85 brings us to a port in northern Tonga, known for it’s natural beauty, maritime culture, lush green islands and crystal clear waters. It does not have a commercial port, so once again we are using the tenders to get ashore. Like all the other islands we’ve visited, it’s HOT! Beautiful, friendly - but hot!
A little about Vava’u. The local waters have many dolphins, whales, manta rays and sea turtles, making them an appealing destination for snorkelers and divers. Whale watching is particularly popular during their migration season (July – October) when humpback whales come here for breeding and calving. Many if not most of the surrounding islands are uninhabited. The scenic coastline and calm waters attract water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing.
Four tenders were running back and forth this morning so there were no long waits. We’ve learned that the sooner we get off the ship in the morning, the better in terms of the heat. With a high of only 82 degrees and a nice breeze, we’re still walking around under umbrellas and are drenched by the time we head back to the ship. That means a second shower and shampoo. Speaking of shampoo, we decided to try our luck with a local barber while on the island. BIG mistake. We reminded ourselves that it’s only hair and it will grow back.
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| the scene of the crime |
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| Ronnie was nervous - for good reason |
Locals greet their island guests with loud music and traditional dance. Vendors are friendly and hope to sell their handicrafts in their open market. Unneutered and unspayed dogs run freely around the town or sleep in the middle of the street. We walked to the waterfront and then up the hill to see a church before deciding to head back to the ship.
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| handwoven baskets and trivets |
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| St. Joseph's Cathedral |
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| (or Sangato Sosefo) |
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