NEIAFU, VAVA'U, TONGA

September 24, 2012

There have been no recent posts because we haven't gone anywhere since arriving in Neiafu.  In the beginning we were waiting on a shipment of our "meds" from the States and then we started on various projects.  The Volvo Penta engine needed some attention: an injector pump, heat exchanger repair and leak on turbo charger seal.  This has now been addressed and we are getting ready to sail out to all the beautiful outlying islands in the area

Right now, Neiafu is in the throes of sponsoring their 4th Annual Vava'u Regatta.  There are all kinds of activities going on and it's fun to participate or be onlookers.  This town is made up of mostly expat Aussies, Kiwis and a smattering of other nationalities along with the ubiquitous American and German.  The town is a step back in time to the days when Phyllis and I were travelling backpackers.  There is very little of Tonga's archaeological past to be seen.  The missionaries did such a thorough job of cleansing that nothing really remains of the remote past.  Most of the music is 70's, 80's and pop.  The Tongan language and dress are very much alive and used.

If I could make an observation, on very limited exposure, I would say that there is far more artistic creativity and energy in French Polynesia.  Also, the fabulous ruins and temples of the past were very much evident.  In no way do I mean to denigrate the Tongans a lesser status than that of other Polynesian societies:  they are charming, helpful and friendly.

We have spent so much time here because we can't sail for New Zealand until the end of October. The southern part of Tonga and Nukualofa is not as beautiful as the middle and northern parts.  So we'll hang out here and then sail to Ha'api in the middle group around October 10th.

As we move around the outlying islands, I'll come up with some observations to post.