I probably need to let you know that as far as you are
concerned we are in the future. Yesterday, Monday, we saw the NFC playoffs. The
Vikings played, and lost, at 12:40 pm here. So, we are 6 hours behind you and a
day ahead. Somehow, we make all that up between here and when we get home.
The highest elevation of Tongatapu, the
largest of the 169 Tonga Islands, is 213 feet, setting it apart from many of
the often-visited South Pacific islands. Yet its flat, tropical landscapes hold
a tranquil beauty all their own. The island is composed of coral limestone and
blanketed with fertile soil and ash that landed here after the eruption of
nearby volcanoes. Many of its richly diverse mangroves and lagoons are protected
by the government. As Tonga’s cultural and political capital, the port city of
Nuku’alofa hosts many landmarks of the nation’s heritage.
Today we took a walking tour of the city.
However, our guide did not apparently understand much about the city or the
culture of the country. It was not an informative tour.
We are docked here and as you come off the ship
they have a band right there. We are docked at Vuna Wharf. It was built in
1906, and for some 60 years most visitors to Tonga disembarked from ships that
tied up here. A railway once ran through town along Railway Road to transport
copra and other crops to Vuna Wharf. Recently it was upgraded for visiting
cruise liners and super yachts enjoying the wonderful cruising around Tonga.
As you get off the dock, they have built a new
Government Ministries building. It is three stories high and three Ministries.
The bottom floor is the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry, Food and Fisheries.
The second floor is the Ministry of Education and the top floor is the Ministry
of Lands and Survey.
Next, we passed the Royal Palace, which is built
entirely of wood. It is one of the most easily visible royal palaces in the
world. It is the official residence of the King of Tonga. Nuku’alofa’s white
Victorian wooden palace was commissioned by King George Tupou I. The palace was
prefabricated in New Zealand, shipped to Tonga, and erected in 1867.The second
story veranda was added in 1882 and then the palace was substantially extended during
the reign of Tupou V.
We were able to get a glimpse of Mala’e’aloa Cemetery.
It is the final resting place of past kings. Only Royal people can be buried in
this cemetery.
There is a very elegant church here called Centennial
Church, Free Church of Tonga. Built of coral block in 1888, it is a magnificent
example of early Tongan church architecture. The church was established in 1885
by King George Tupou I and Rev. Shirley W. Baker. Originally with the name the
Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, it became the official state church. Queen Salote
and King Tupou IV were both christened here. The church operates three high
schools one each in Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u, all named Tallulu College.
We also visited the Maketi Talamahu market. It
is a lively produce market where vendors sell a great variety of fresh produce,
ranging from huge taro root and watermelons to string beans and bananas. At the
back and upstairs, there are many stalls carrying locally produced handicraft
items such as tapa cloth, straw baskets, mats, carvings and jewelry.
Lastly, here are some pictures of other things
that we saw, but could not identify exactly what they were or what they stood
for.
We had a great day, but it was very hot. Ended
up walking about three miles all around the town.
Hello Mary Ann. What a shame the Guide was not up to par. Viking Guides are usually outstanding so it's a shame this one was not. Happy Travels!
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