Plane trip to Ha'apai

The Ha'apai island group is 160km north of the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa and is the geographical centre of the Kingdom's four major island groups. Ha'apais' main island Lifuka, is where Captain Cook landed and, after a warm reception, later described the group as the Friendly Islands. Most of the 30 small islands are low lying coral atolls with the exception of 2 volcanic islands to the west, only a few are inhabited. With Lyndon away in Oz for work, we decided to take advantage of a long weekend and headed over to Ha'apai for 4 days. It was amazing and we are planning to take Helen and Jeff there when they come to visit next year.

It is only a 40min plane ride and we had the luxury of the newly renovated DC3 aircraft on the way over and a lovely private charter on a 8 seater Queen Air on the way home. With fantastic views from the air, it is easy to see why we love living here in Tonga.

The DC3 and probably one of the only planes in the world that flies with the cockpit door still open

Leaving Tonga's main island, Tongatapu, it is surrounded by fringing reef and cliff faces.

Spectular views of the coral atolls on the way to Ha'apai.

Tofua, a volcanic island and Likufa island joined to Foa Island by a causeway.

The runway into Likufa runs straight through the middle of the island and the main road crosses the run way. All cars must stop whilst planes and landing and taking off, then they continue on their way across the run way

Getting ready to go home in the Queenie, first time for the kids in such a small plane and they weren't quite sure about it all. Dylan was jealous that Hiro got the seat up the front next to the pilot, oh well next time.

Remberence Day 2011

The Remberence Day service was held on Sunday with His Majesty the guest of honour. He led the formalities by placing the first wreath, with the other wreaths laid by officials from the countries who have representatives here in Tonga. It was a lovely solem service (and timely - only 1hr) and despite a small shower, was a fitting tribute to all those who have died in wars all over the world.

HM arrives

HM greeted by the Brigidier, Commander of the Tonga Defence Services

HM lays the first wreath.

Seated only 3 rows behind HM, we had a good view of the formalities.

The Royal Band with choir seated behind.

Up go the flags, Sam and Tiny in the middle.

Australian High Commissioner, Thomas Roth about to place his wreath.

Lest we forget

Dom (Acting NZ High Commissioner), Tiny (NZ Army), Ben (Oz Navy), Thomas (Aust High Commissioner), Sam (Oz Navy), Mal (Oz Army) and Carl (NZ Police)

Hannah and Jodie after the ceremony

It's Christmas Time in Tonga

Well it's started, carols on the radio (the same one all the time though), tinsel in the shops and now the community Christmas Tree. Friday night saw the official lighting of the tree, so we went along to watch. A vacant block of land in town was all set up with sausage sizzle, BBQ chicken cooking in the trailer, icecreams and face painting for the kids, a great fun atmosphere. After an hour of carols by the Police band, the tree was lit up on time at 8pm sharp, and then we waited for Santa. Atleast 300 kids all lined up patiently waiting for a little gift from the big fella but when he ran out it was time to go home. Every Friday night from now on until Christmas the whole shebang will be repeated, what a great way to get into the spirit of it all.

The tree at 7pm prior to lighting.

The Police band getting the kids dancing.

All surrounding lights off waiting for the big switch

Ah, all lit up with the Big Red Fella in action.

Melbourne Cup 2011

Well another day at the races done and dusted, although without the real thing running past every 45 minutes, or continous coverage on the TV throughout the day, it is hard to get hugely excited. Again, the mens only, Nuku'alofa Club, was open to women for the Calcutta on the Monday night and for the race on Tuesday. Keeping last years bad luck streak alive, I got the horse "Shamrocker" for the tidy sum of $350 (much better than last years outlay of $800), me, myslef and I in the syndicate called "Just Jodie". Should have named it Shamshocker because I think it is still running!

With prizes for all sorts of outfits the competition was stiff, and everyone had a great day. We finished up about 8.30pm (after a 2pm start) so we could collect the kids and head to bed for a much needed recovery sleep. Unfortunately no winnings for me in any of the sweeps or my TAB bets in Oz (thanks anyway, bro Chris). Better luck next year - that's what I always say.

Just Jodie and the Shamrocker
Best hat contenders, a flower, a pink wig, a bonnet, and a horse hair hat (all the way from China)

Happy ladies day, Jenny, Jodie, Rochelle, Karen, Maree and Kobi

"A Fine Design" that is what we called our fasinators, which the fabulous Rochelle whipped up a few days before to match our outfits.

Rochelle and the wonderfully dressed Sal. Jungle was his theme this year.

Most unusual hat winner, an ice cream sundae

Most unusual male - Alo in his Japanese Kimono

Lucky for us duty driver Hannah had NZ007 ready to collect the kids for a drive by to check out all of us parents, as they had not seen us dressed up

No such thing as over loading in Tonga, lucky this IS a 10 kid car

Role reversal is not uncommon in Tonga, Eliza and male friend switch outfits

I had an offer of two dates for the day (Lyndon was in Cairns for work), both lovely men also dressed in purple, oh my, spoiled for choice. First up was non rugby John. (Thanks for the loan A.A.)

Next up was Tom, looking very daper indeed!

Judy, Katie, Jennifer (and friend), Jodie and Belinda.

Unfortunately about now my camera battery died so no more photos - such a shame, but when I do get hold of copies from other peoples cameras I will do another entry as there were some great outfits.

Halloween in Tonga

Halloween is not a big deal in Tonga, although a few of the expats get into it on a small scale with a few odd looking pumpkins getting around. This year one of the bars in town "Reload" decided to get into the spirit of it all and imported decorations from New Zealand for the bar. I went along with the owner Trish, to check it out after we had been to the Melbourne Cup Culcatta night. Needless to say we were already primed and couldn't believe some of the costumes that showed up. Below is a sample. After the prize giving for best costume, it was home for an early night as the Melbourne Cup function was on the next day.

Rugby World Cup Final - The Black Out

Well, it finally happened - 24 years waiting for the Webb Ellis Cup and the All Blacks are finally World Cup Champions. Once again we gathered at Dom and Hannah's, and out of respect for our hosts we all wore black and white, except of course 2 rebels - Rugby John and Lyndon who turned up in their Tongan jerserys. There were plenty of nervous moments for Dom as he has been a dedicated fan since childhood and we really don't know how he would have coped if they lost again. In the end 1 point was all that was needed and it was such a relief to all the kiwis present. Us Ozzies didn't really care but we congratulated them all anyway. Dom's celebrations went on, and on, and on - oh well who can blame him. He finished the night with the infamous words spoken by George Gregan last world cup "4 more years boys" - oh well hopefully the Wallabies will do better next time.

Doms shrine to Richie McCaw and some serious moments..waiting....

Come on boys, not long now Yes, I think we won it.....

Yes, we did... finally Yeeha, go you good thing....

Free rides for the kids.. Jump high and proud Dom

Yes, the night was all about Dom, but all credit to them, they hung on there until the end. Oh well, now the planning begins to get us all together again in 4 years time in England for the next Rugby World Cup.