Ali Q's Island Tour Part 2

With an arvo spare, after the Kings Military Parade, we decided to finish off Nan's Island tour. It's been a while since we've driven the Eastern end of the Island and although Tonga may not have any hills we surely have some big potholes that could be named after valley's as they were that deep and nearly swallowed up the car. Nan was also treated to some of the new China Aid roads which are spread out all over the Island. We dropped into a local beach, Dylan's secret beach, the Ha'amonga, Captain Cooks landing and finished up with a sunset over Nuku'alofa harbour from Tukulonga. This section of the Island is all reclaimed land and the one of the poorest sections of Tonga, not that the kids care that are running around.

Nan at the Ha'amonga

Lesson learnt, when Dylan says secret beach - he means bush bashing!

The kids on Dyl's secret beach. Nan didn't venture down as it was a bit of a climb over sharp rocks, oh yeah she also forgot her repelling gear Dylan, you monkey.

We had just finished telling Nan about the wonders of Tongan vehicles and look what comes down the road.

Nothing like a truck load of kids to keep you entertained on a long slow drive.

Captain Cooks Landing.

Nan's arty Sunset shot with our camera she was becoming quite attached to it by this time.

These pigs even cruise along the shore line at low tide and eat the seaweed.

Can you spot the potty. It turned up last year after Cyclone Rene.

Taking water front views to the extreme at high tide, 360 degree water views bar your driveway.

His Majesties Birthday Military Parade

This years King's Birthday Military Parade was joined by the bands from both the US Marines and the Royal Australian Army. The guest of Honour was Her Excellency the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce and she was given the privilege and honour of inspecting the Kings parade. It is a big occasion for the Tongan Defence Force and they spend considerable time in preparation for this event. Every second year this work load is increased by the addition of the Kings Military Tattoo. Nan was also lucky enough to join us in the stands with front row seats.

The Kings Royal Guard Lead with the Royal Colours.

The three bands joined together for the March past.

The Governor General conducting the Guard inspection.

Nothing like a close up opportunity.

Just a sample of one of the two TDS Navy squads during the march past.

Leading the Navy section.

The Governor General and His Majesty King George Tupou V out the front. Nan couldn't believe how close we actually were to all the action.

The newest DCP- Tonga and our visiting Defence Attache (Boss from Wellington)

CPO Brooker(Sam), LCDR Esler (Ben the new MSA), WGCDR Peter Bennett, MAJ Bishop (Mal) and Me.

You throw in our NZ mate WO1 Graham (Tiny - for obvious reasons) and we're all present and accounted for.

Couldn't miss a family shot with the Kings Day Palace as a backdrop.

Jodie and Karen looking fabulous for the days events.

Sapate Kaime'aka (Sunday feast)

This Sunday saw us invited to the Fine 5's for an entire feast, from preparation of food before church through to the joys of sitting around the table with friends and enjoying lunch,a drink or two and a yarn. Nan asked poor old Sal a million questions, from what was growing in his back yard to all the Tongan names. Nan said she had a sleepless night as she had all these new names running through her head, but you never saw her without a smile the entire day. To make sure we got a few more greens into our kids we also brought around some less Tongan vegies for everyone to enjoy and we also threw in a lamb roast.

Sal and Fahu preparing the coals and Mo Snr (Sal's Dad) preping the vegies, Dyl is supervising.

Fahu (AKA The Rock or The Who) making natural coconut cream for the Lu Pulu.

The heavens opened but that never stops a feast, very similar to what happened at this time last year. Nan was actually checking out the bread fruit tree.

Rochelle, Mu and "The Who" preparing the Lu Pulu. Nan liked it that much that she is going to give it a try back home. Enjoy boys!

Lifting the lid on the umu. If only you could smell, yummo.

The feast ready to head inside. Sal in his Ozzy shirt and Lyndon in his Tonga top what a contrast.

Nan and the newest Tongan Master chef.

Sal even squeezed in a husking demo for Nan, including all the uses of the coconut parts.

Our spread before prayers.

The kids ate in the kitchen and we stayed here, at this table for the next 7 hours.

The Mother daughter tau'olunga (dance), showing Nan how it's done. The kids got $10T fakapale (money reward) and the mum's only $2T, what does that tell you!!!

Sunday Church with HM and the Fine 5

It was time for our yearly church service with HM (His Majesty King George Tupo V) and as this is also the Fine 5's church we tagged along so Nan could experience the Tongan service and singing. With the weather continuing to be on the slightly damp side we all met at the Fine 5's to put on our Sunday best and walk to the His Majestys' church. This also included a walk past Sal's famous thong tree which now has another 100 odd additions to it since we last blogged it.

Nan borrowed one of Rochelle's Kiekie for the event.

All we needed now was our umberellas to keep the rain off.

The KIng and Princess in church.

After the service the sun made an apperance for our walk home.

3 of the Fine 5 who went to church. Mo Snr has a direct line to 'the Man upstairs" so he stayed home supervising the umu, Tomasi and Mosese.

Mother and son Tongan style.

Mu and Em best of mates for ever and ever.

Look out here come the Morman's.

Guangdong Art Troupe Visits Tonga

A last minute invite from the Chinese Embassy saw us go along to an amazing display by a small visiting Art troupe. They put on a mixture of displays from Dance's, Suona Horn Solo, Martial arts displays, Acrobatics and Cucurbit Flute Solo. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Salote Pilolevu was the guest of honour and like the rest of us, was amazed at the performance. All the kids were amazed by the performers but the Hulla-hoop girl and the masked dancer stood out for Em and Dyl was impressed by the sword routine.

HRH Princess Salote Pivolevu front and centre.

We suspect this was the same troupe that visited the Campbell's in Pohnepi but we had the added addition of lights as theirs was half done by mobile phone light as the power went out before it was due to start.

Between routines there were Tongan displays of dance.

The boys put on a great display of a Tongan dance which shows their stamina and can go on for ages. Luckily this one didn't but they were getting a good sweat up.

This dress was awesome from this to..........

this in a matter of twirls. It appeared that it was stationary too.

Our friend Sia was one of the MC's as he speaks Tongan, English and Chinese. Doesn't mean he can hulla-hoop though.

But this girl surely could.

With one hoop or five.................

Even balancing on her shoulders and mouth piece.

EM thought this one even looked like a slinky.

This Chinese sword master made it look so easy and was all over the stage.

Traditional girls hit the stage but due to the oil dripping off them we had to have a quick break to clean up so no injuries would happen to the visiting dancers.

This girls dance included a constantly changing mask and as fast as she covered her face a new mask would appear.

Apparently there were eight masks in total but we were all flat out trying to work out how she was doing it to even attempt to keep count.

The entire cast including HRH and the Chinese Ambassador.

Sia and the other MC did a great job to keep the show rolling along.

Nan scored well and was given one of the Kahoa's at the end of the night.