The Kingdom is divided into several distinct groups of islands. In the south, Tongatapu is the largest island, with the town of Nuku’alofa being the capital of the country. It is also the site of the king's palace. The middle group of islands is called the Ha’apai group, more spread out, and the waters between the islands are reef strewn and dangerous without detailed charts. We took school supplies to a small village school in the Ha’apai group. I tried to take a Polaroid picture of their class for them, but after 2 years in the tropics the film was mush. However,the kids mugged for the camera anyway. A church opening was the big event in the Va’vau group. Elders came from the far corners of the country to bless the new church. The whole village cooked for the event, and there was whole pig, taro dishes, strange rice dishes and hot dogs (hot dogs?). And always their beloved canned corn beef. For some strange reason, the people of the South Seas love corned beef, and it was always a welcome gift. We gladly donated our supply when needed, as corned beef is a last resort dish on Tigger.
School children in Haano, in the Haapai group.
We delivered shool supplies and took class pictures for them.
Pigs! They had the run of the island and were the skinniest pigs I've ever seen.
Dave burning trash. When the fire was done, the 2 bags of trash were reduced to a small lump to be buried deep.
A lovely protected anchorage at Vaka Itu, Vavau Group
Onward to Fiji>>>
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