Saturday, July 14, 2012

Coconut eating crabs

These crabs have extremely strong pincers and eat coconuts that have fallen to the ground. They can easily take your finger off if you are not careful. Green coconuts and the milk are eaten by the locals and once brown they are fed to the pigs.

Fish eating pigs

The fishing's great in Tonga - just ask the local pigs.
Some evenings when the tide's out, villagers' pigs join them on the beach at Talafo'ou in the island of Tongatapu, nuzzling out fish from the shallows for their supper.
Some say that when the porkers finally come under the butcher's knife, the resultant pork chops have a distinct fishy flavour - in the same way that the coconut-eating crabs of Vanuatu taste of coconut.
The fish-eating pigs of Talafo'ou are just one of the surprises in store in Tonga, a Pacific Island kingdom with a relaxed lifestyle where the warm weather is matched only by the warm welcome given to visitors.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/relaxing-with-the-fishing-pigs-of-tonga-20081113-63yr.html#ixzz20Zxj61vS

Wednesday 11th July: Dolphin Pacific Diving and Whale Watching.

Spent the morning going out with Dolphin Pacific Diving and Whale Watching.

Today Denis got up close and personal swimming with whales. I stayed on the boat to watch the whales as I get somewhat clostrophobic with the snorkling gear on.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Friends cafe

We used this cafe a lot during our stay in Nuklu'alofa. found it a great place to dine, make bookings and get information. We hired scooters through this place for a day of touring around on the Saturday.

Friday 6th July. Oholei Beach Resort. Dinner and show.

Visited Oholei Beach Resort for dinner and a cultural show. Saw Tongan men and women doing traditional dances as well as the men's fire dances and theTongan men's (war) stick dance.

The fire dancing was spectacular as well

A compilation of the dancing at the cultural show. Oholei Beach Resort.

Saturday 30th June. Auckland to Papamoa

Friday 29th June. Dunedin to Auckland

Sunday 8th July. Toni's whole day Tour of Tongatapu

Spent the whole day touring with Toni's Tours in Sunday 8th. This worked out quite well as on a Sunday everything is closed so you can't do anything. Only the bakery is open and I think a Chinese restaurant.
Will include a link here of a blog written by someone else that did Toni's tour.

The Black Pearl Suites Nuku'alofa Tonga

Black Pearl Suites

Address: Vuna Rd, Sopu, Nuku'alofa Free wireless connection The Black Pearl Suites was officially opened in 2005 with a total of 10 suites, 10 on top. It can also caters for group bookings, FIT and also for family or business functions, birthdays or anniversaries. It is the perfect place to celebrate that special occasion or to relax at the end of a busy day. With its restaurant, bar, friendly staff, quiet garden, fresh atmosphere, balcony, and 24 hour service, the management and staff will make sure you will enjoy your Tonga holiday at The Black Pearl Suites. Facilities & Services The hotel offers accommodation that includes a restaurant and bar which can be used by holiday goers and business people alike. Black Pearl Suites can cater any business conference. The employees are mostly local people and the friendly staffs are here to help you with any information regarding your accommodation or island needs. The hotel provides guests with quality services.

Reef resort Kapa Island Vava'u

Vava'u - one of the world's most sought after destinations for sailing, game fishing and Swimming with Whales - offers the visitor an unforgettable experience

Reef Resort is located on Kapa island. The crystal clear waters and nearby caves provide brilliant snorkeling and sea kayaking. The resort is perfectly located for joining whale watching, fishing, diving and other excursions. Operators are happy to pick you up from our private jetty as it is just a small detour for them when going out from Neiafu. Sip a coffee at the resort deck while waiting for the pick-up – a perfect way to start your day.

Swim with Whales

Few thrills in a lifetime can rival swimming with whales. Tonga is one of only three destinations in the world where it is possible to do so. The gentleness and majesty of the Humpback whale is awe inspiring and life changing.

From July to November Humpback whales visit our pristine waters to give birth, nurse and mate. Whales may be seen playing in front of the resort in the season. To get even closer, join one of the certified whale watching and swimming operators.

Snorkel & swim at warm shallow reefs and caves

The crystal clear warm waters provide brilliant snorkeling and one of the best snorkeling spots in Vava'u, the Japanese Gardens, is just off the beach.

The famous Swallows Cave can be accessed from the resort by kayak or boat and offer a unique snorkeling experience. Visit the Cave in the afternoon and you can see the most amazing light show as sun ray's penetrate the water through small sink holes in the cave ceiling. Ask us for the best timing.

snorkeling gear are available for guest's use.

Scuba Diving

With a stunning array of reefs & caves and the clear, pristine waters of the Vava'u is ideal for divers. Hundreds of species of fish, cephalopods, turtles, colorful reefs, plant life, a dizzying display of the spectacular sea life and of course the humpback whales are some of the best the South Pacific has to offer.

Vava'u has 3 excellent dive operators who will all happily pick you up right at our private jetty:

Take a Sea Kayak and explore deserted islands and caves

Explore the amazing waters and reefs of the Reef Resort or venture to nearby caves, coves and private beaches.

Kapa island is home to the famous Swallows Cave and Port Maurelle. Both can be accessed from the resort by kayak making it the perfect location for sea kayak adventures.

A selection of kayaks is available for guest's use.

Deep Sea Fishing

Vava'u is regarded as one of the best deep sea fishing destinations in the world. Professional fishing trips can be arranged. You can also fish directly from our jetty.

Why not have your catch prepared by an internationally acclaimed chef? We will be happy to incorporate your catch into the dinner menu making Reef Resort the perfect location for a fishing trip

Sailing

Picture perfect coral cays and islands, crystal clear waters, marine life and steady winds, Vava'u is known as a cruising paradise. Discover the magical beauty on a crewed yacht. Just sit back, relax and enjoy, knowing everything will be done for you by a professional skipper and crew.

Vava'u offers extended sailing holidays as well. Reef Resort is a great place to relax before and after your trip.

Polynesian Culture Tour

Relive Polynesian yesterdays and experience native lifestyles through guided, on site, live demonstrations and gentle strolling tours amongst the lush tropical paradise of the stunning and only Botanical Garden in Tonga. 'Ene'io Botanical Garden (EBG) offers visions of incomparable natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, and can only be fully appreciated by an actual visit.

This photo of Reef Resort is courtesy of TripAdvisor

This photo of Reef Resort is courtesy of TripAdvisor
This is the market we hoped to visit on the day we were leaving Vava'u but it was closed since there was a public holiday for the Prince's wedding that day.

This photo of Reef Resort is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Loumaile Lodge Wed 4th July-Sun 8th July (nights).

“A touch of royalty in the heart of Nuku’alofa. Spacious air conditioned rooms, fine dining & more, just awaiting your arrival.”

Loumaile Lodge
Taufa’ahau Road
Nuku’alofa
Kingdom of Tonga
Phone: +676 28-444
loumaile.lodge@gmail.com Malo e lelei & welcome to Loumaile Lodge

Have you ever wondered what it may feel to be royalty? With our 24 luxurious suites at Loumaile Lodge we are dedicated to provide a touch of royalty, excellence & true hospitality, in every aspect of our services to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible.
All the features you would expect in a luxury hotel can be found in Loumaile Lodge's 24 beautiful rooms.
Named after traditional Tongan flora, Loumaile Lodge is located in the heart of Nuku'alofa, opposite the Mala'e kula, the Royal Tombs.
We gladly invite and welcome you to our island Kingdom, and have prepared the information on this web site to help you enjoy your stay with us here in Tonga. Please browse our web site, and contact us with any questions so we can make your stay as pleasantly memorable as possible.
'Ofa atu and best wishes from Loumaile Lodge.
We look forward to enjoying your company shortly.

Loumaile Lodge rated "excellent" by 12 travellers

Swimming with whales Vava'u Tonga

This photo of Reef Resort is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Tongan Royal Family

Memories of two kings of Tonga

Monday, March 26th, 2012

2 June 1953. Coronation Day. Two schoolboys, making the most of our day off from classes, joined the thousands lining the processional route hoping to get a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth II on her way to Westminster Abbey.
We waved our Union Jacks like windmills and were proud when an elegant carriage stopped briefly near where we were standing. Inside was a queen — not the Queen — but a head of state nevertheless.
The occupants were Queen Salote of Tonga, a lady of compassion and matching girth, and a slightly built, tail coated man, whom the BBC commentator, unable to identify, described as ‘Queen Salote’s breakfast’. There was a shower of rain. The diminutive man (subsequently revealed as the Portugese Ambassador) wanted the roof closed; Queen Salote wanted it open. She won. I decided then and there that I would like to visit Tonga.
Salote’s grandson, the King of Tonga, Taupa’ahau Tupou V, died on 18 March, during a visit to Hong Kong. It is expected that his brother, Tououto’a Lavaka, will succeed him.
Obituaries have depicted the deceased as an eccentric though likeable person, more interested in discussing 17th century European wars than the political and economic needs of his people.
True to my childhood wish I’ve been twice to Tonga, for a full five days each time, during which I sipped morning tea with the King (actually two kings), met church leaders, exposed miles of good old-fashioned Kodachrome and did my best to learn as much as possible about the ‘Friendly Isles’.
My first visit in the 1970s was in the reign of Salote’s son, Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, whose links with Australia included having been educated at Newington College, Sydney, the Methodist alma mater, and Sydney University, where — he proudly pointed out — a song was composed about his being the first Tongan to gain a degree.
There are many interesting things about Tonga, not least of which is its status not just as a kingdom, with a lineage claimed to be older than that of Queen Elizabeth, but as a Methodist kingdom to boot. For some generations the Tongans have been a Christian people whose church-going habits are renowned. Read more

A bad day to be a pig

Tongan marriage bad for piglets

MICHAEL FIELD

Last updated 11:08 12/07/2012

Tonga's royal cousins are marrying today in a lavish ceremony that will end up a bad day for hundreds of piglets.

The kingdom has declared a national holiday as Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, 27, marries 25-year-old cousin Sinaitakala Fakafanua.
The weeklong ceremonies also mark the end of a 100 day mourning period for the late King George V and have also delayed a deep political crisis which is expected to end with the collapse of the first democratically elected government.
But for much of the week Tongans have been marking traditional and civil nuptial rituals for the royal couple.
As is standard in Tonga, the commoners are expected to contribute to the royal feasting with offerings of cooked pigs.
In the past the Tongan Government, which has been controlled by the royal family, funded royal weddings, but the new King Tupou VI has told family they will pay for the wedding.
The wedding will be held this afternoon at the Free Wesleyan Centenary Church in Nuku'alofa.
Throughout the wedding, Tonga has suffered a severe political hiatus after commoner MPs in the 38 seat Legislative Assembly moved a vote of no confidence in the noble controlled government of Lord Siale'ataongo Tu'ivakano.
The vote has been delayed by the royal wedding, but on current numbers it seems likely the government will fall.
Tu'ivakano has not got enough numbers to even fill his current cabinet and has no designated police or agriculture ministers. The vote is likely next week.
Compounding the problems, the Speaker, Havea Hikule'o who is styled Lord Lasike, was on Monday convicted of possession of ammunition, an indictable offence. He was fined 500 pa'anga (NZ$350) but could lose his seat in the assembly.

Tongan Royal Wedding

'Love before protocol': Crown Prince of Tonga snubs government officials by marrying his cousin in Royal Wedding

Late father was said to be against the marriage
Family and government officials fear narrowing of blood line

By Richard Shears
PUBLISHED:21:14 GMT, 12 July 2012 | UPDATED:10:36 GMT, 13 July 2012

Her name is just a little more difficult to pronounce than Kate Middleton.
But the new bride of the Crown Prince of Tonga is brushing aside difficulties foreigners have of addressing her, along with questions about whether she should ever have married her cousin.
The bride of the Pacific island nation's Crown Prince Tupouto’a Ulukalala is Miss Sinaitakala Tuk’imatamoana ‘I Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua.
While the people of the former British empire nation of Tonga have no problems in pronouncing her name, it is more than a mouthful for visiting dignitaries.

Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, left, and his bride Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi Fakafanua leave the Centenary Church after a wedding ceremony in Nuku'alofa yesterday

All she was concerned about today was the applause of her people as she and her husband were driven through the streets of the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa, in an open-topped car.
But behind the typically-colourful scenes of the national holiday following the ceremony was disagreement about the marriage.
His father, King George Tupou V, who died in March this year, is said to have been against the marriage – the first of a Crown Prince in 65 years.

He and his advisors believed the blood ties of the 27-year-old prince and his 25-year-old lover were too close.
His bride, a former teacher, is 26th in line to the throne.

The government and royal officials have long been against marriage between cousins – as well as between royals and commoners - but Prince Tupouto’a has told his advisers that love comes before protocol.

The couple left the church in an open car, cheered on by the girls of Queen Salote College where the bride was a teacher

The bride, aged 25, is escorted by her brother Tongan noble Lord Fakafanua down the aisle

The marriage took place despite controversy about the pair being cousins. The couple are pictured leaving the church

He has ignored history which tells how a 21-year-old princess studying in New Zealand married a commoner policeman, resulting in her being forced by her family to return to Tonga and have the marriage annulled.
‘The bloodline is too narrow – if nothing else, it’s unhealthy’ said Princess Frederica Tuita, ninth in line to the throne, as the Crown Prince made his wedding preparations.
She was supported by pro-democracy politician Mr Akilisi Pohiva, who said the late king’s family wanted to ‘keep the royal blood to their own family, but this is wrong.’

Man and wife: The pair are issued their marriage licence at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa

He told New Zealand’s TVNZ: ‘They are too close. I do not know about biological effects of two close bloods mixed together but I think they need new blood from outside.’
Despite the row, celebrations are expected to continue through to the weekend after the spectacular wedding ceremony, during which the bride wore a long-sleeved lace dress with a floor-length veil, while the groom wore a three-piece black and grey suit.
School children clapped and sang outside the church and thousands of people lined the streets waiting for the open-topped limousine carrying the newly-married couple to drive by.