Arriving back in Cairns on Thursday 24 January 2013 was a shock to the system, as flying in we noticed so many changes to the city. Our 3 year journey was over and another chapter in our lives about to begin. The kids were happy to be back in their house and very excited to see their friends after so long away. It was a busy first weekend back as all of our stuff from storage arrived on the 25th, we unpacked over the weekend and the kids were back at their old school on Tuesday 29th. It didn't take long for new routines and old friendships to be established which made the settling in process a stress free one.
Back to where it started, this is us when we arrived back..
This was us when we left 3 years ago... only difference is the kids have grown quite a few more centimetres.
It took 3 months for our shipping container to arrive from Tonga and once it was unpacked and all of our handicrafts put on display, our home in Cairns became a smaller version of our home in Tonga. Below is a snap shot of some of the things we bought home with us to keep the memories alive.
A Tongan turtle tapa, with hand made frame by Mal, and our Christmas present from Rochelle, a frame with a Tongan symbol representing each one of us. Lyndon is the coconut tree - strong and resourceful, I am the handbag - needs no explaination, Dylan is the fish - again, no explaination necessary, Emily is the kupesi - a tradition pattern representing craft
Our island beach scene, Emily's hand painted frangipani flower, and our family photo with Bundy
My very busy Tongan corner with fans, handbags, pictures and baskets
A constant reminder as we walk out the door. Our island map from Tiani and Moti, the clock from the Fifitas, our kava bowl and Wally the whale.
Outside we have our clam/turtle carving (fixed by Lyndon as it got smashed on the way over), our Tongan Navigator stone carving, Emilys traditional dance costumes and an assortment of fans and hook wood carvings
More wood carvings, mainly Lyndon, Dylan and my fishing trophys and our lovely Kava Lady tapa hiding behind the fish tank.
The pool table made it home (not in one piece mind you, lucky Lyndon could fix it)
And last but not least the pool table light and mirror ball.
We will be going back to Tonga in June/July 2013 for a 2 week holiday to catch up with friends and to participate in the Kings Birthday long weekend celebrations and the Technical Advisors reunion. Stay tuned for a final Tongan wrap up after those festivities, which will be a fabulous way to end this amazing experience.
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