27 May to 30 May Arrival in Tonga

Off again for the 280 NM sail to the Vava’u Group in Tonga which is to the north of the kingdom’s four main groups.  Tonga is just west of the international date line so we lost a day as we arrived.  Tonga is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy and the only Polynesian island never brought under foreign rule.  It is quite different - very religious with a total ban on any activity on a Sunday - no swimming, diving, business, or shops open. The traditional dress is the ta’ovala which is worn about the waist - made of finely woven pandanus-leaf mat.  Worn by both men and women.  The men wear skirts and sandals with jackets and ties for formal occasions.  The Tongans are very keen churchgoers and the big red cross on the top left of the Tongan flag says it all 🇹🇴  The majority are Free Wesleyans, but also Methodists, some Catholics and of course the Mormons (Latter Day Saints) who have a very big presence on the islands and generally throughout the Pacific.

We spent a painful day going through customs and immigration at Neiafu, where we had to raft up alongside the Customs Wharf, and plough through paper after paper of Tongan bureaucracy.  But finally we were free and cleared into the islands.  Celebrated by a brunch in the café Bellavista, followed by an amazing Tonga feast on one of the islands.  Roast suckling pig on the menu.