Back to work for the Handover!

This week has been very heck tick! Handover began Monday for the boys and one of the three patrol boats "VOEA NEIAFU" was due to sail to a northern Is on Tuesday arvo so they had a fare-welling for the old guys and a welcome for us. Short notice but just a quiet gathering, we turned up and they had the Kava bowl out, families present and a banquet laid out, pig and all. We both had our first taste of Tongan Kava, possibly not the last either!!!! We sat around the bowl and they sang songs. Absolutely mind blowing, seems like everyone here can hold a note "bar me!!" We left early that night and left the outgoing guys to catch up with their friends.

The next few days had our heads spinning, learning the ropes, meeting contractors and actually taking over some small tasks. Will need to pick up a few more words but it will all come with time.

Wed night Jodie and I had dinner at the Australian High Commissioners house, another beautiful dinner although they were a little surprised to find out about my chicken allergy.

Friday was officially the last day and that night we had the official function to say goodbye to old friends and welcome to us new palangi! We all wore the tradition Tupenu. There were many official guests from Nobles of the realm, High Commissioners, The brigadier of the Tongan Defence Services (TDS - The Boss) and many others. Another great spread, banquet style and the kids and mum got to try their first of many traditional Tongan meals!

The Australian Boys in our Tupenu's with VOEA SEVEA in Background.

(L-R, Major Simpson-Jo, WO - Dilinger-Tony, ME, CPO Jallands-Adrian, CMDR Burling-Mark, CPO Brooker-Sam, CPO Taylor-Danny)

Mum and Dyl line up for their first try of traditional Tongan pig! (Yummy!)

Our 2nd weekend consisted of a caving expedition led by a local who was all over it. It took about 30min to climb down into the caves, bats and all then a 15m swim which ended up at a pool which was just magical!

Entrance to the caves but looking out to sea over a village cemetery.

The family shot in the last pool!


Once we'd finished climbing out the kids went for a snorkel out in front to clean the mud off!