We arrived in Neiafu, the capital of Vava’u just in time for lunch, many were very eager for an evening meal ashore so boats brought nearly everyone ashore for an afternoon at the markets and an experience of Tongan dancing at one of the two waterfront bars. The following morning we made the trip into Swallow’s cave for a snorkel and then I managed to get enough entries for a sand sculpture contest! We would find a beach that provided the necessary tools for the sculptures and I later joined them ashore to judge the entries…what a task! With some help we managed to pick a first, second and third…very tough choices. We had a variety of sculptures, from a dingo, to a crazy face to a very thoughtful birthday cake (for Jennifer’s 26 th!), to a turtle tower, to the drunken dragon, the winner. It was a really great way to spend the afternoon and many commented on how they hadn’t played in the sand since they were kids! Because of our time schedule we rushed back to the ship in time for a swing on the Tarzan rope before boats went back ashore for a trek through the jungle to a Tongan feast on Barnacle Beach! Sixteen of us tramped through a small village to a spot where local women had their handicrafts laid out on their Tapa cloth, making very good deals with all interested! We sat in front of a table strewn with a colorful mix of fish, salads, root vegetables; fruit and then the roast pigs were brought in! We were introduced to what each of the dishes were and then invited to join our host in prayer before indulging ourselves on this fine Feast! The entire time we were there a group of local men sipped kava while strumming the guitar and ukulele, gradually the pace slowed and we enjoyed our meal to the quiet tunes of the music. After the table was cleared and our tummies were well full, a few of the village students provided us with a fine display of custom Tongan dancing! Their skin was glistening from the coconut oil and it was the perfect consistency for money to be stuck to their arms in appreciation for the dancing and for donation towards their school fees. After many thanks, Malo Apito, we turned on our torches for the 15-minute trek back through the jungle to where we awaited the return of the ships dinghy to bring us home to bed, what a great day!

Sunday is a day of rest in Tonga and because nothing is open, we enjoyed Mother Nature and went whale watching! After lunch we brought out the snorkel gear for a dive into Mariner’s Cave. There was a vast display of tropical fish and coral along the cliff edge and those who ventured underwater into the cave had the experience of seeing the mist come and go with the surge of the sea and the beautiful reflection of the light through the water! After cleaning ourselves up and anchoring back in Neiafu harbor we had a “dress in your best” dinner party and enjoyed the calm waters under the starry sky!

We cleared customs, provisioned the ship, spent our last Tongan dollars and made the ship ready for sea, Fiji here we come!