Tupou from "Utule My Tongan Home" invited us, along with Francesco and Felicia
to attend church with her on Sunday.
The elders of the church have a Kava Ceremony before the service begun
Her lovely old doggie joined us at Church and enjoyed sleeping under the pew
between walking around everyone to get some Sunday "love"
We offered to then cook lunch at Tupou's home
- obviously homemade Pasta by Francesco and Felicia
and I made Apple Strudel for dessert.
It was a really lovely long afternoon lunch.
One of the wonderful things about this life we have, is meeting so many wonderful people
However, one of the very hard things is also saying "until we see you again" to them
and the time had come for us to say "until next time" to Felicia and Francesco.
Richard and I put on a lunch for this happy, but sad occasion
We had all had so much fun and laughter together...
So it was time to say goodbye Tonga, and a 3 night passage to Savusavu Fiji
We caught Mahimahi along the way
The fish is the most amazing color, which changes as life ebbs
On arrival at Savusavu Tonga
we were greeted on the radio by Jolene from Waitui Marina...
Jolene organised the various officials to come to Our Rose.
Jolene made our arrival to Tonga and subsequently our stay here an absolute pleasure,
helping us with everything she possibly can.
For our cruiser friends following, we would highly recommend Jolene at Waitui Marina.
helping us with everything she possibly can.
For our cruiser friends following, we would highly recommend Jolene at Waitui Marina.
Anyway, our arrival day happened to also be my birthday.
By the time we had cleared with officials it was late in the afternoon,
so Richard decided that the next day could also be my birthday.
By the time we had cleared with officials it was late in the afternoon,
so Richard decided that the next day could also be my birthday.
Along with Carola and Jim from Koza, we headed to Daku Resort for lunch.
When the resort heard it was my birthday (albeit the day before)
they came out with a candle and singing Happy Birthday
while there, we met a lovely group of people
who were there with a fantastic artist (www.chrispostle.com) for a art course.
who were there with a fantastic artist (www.chrispostle.com) for a art course.
In true Jen form, after a wine or two,
I invited them all back to Our Rose for Tapas and Wine the following afternoon.
I invited them all back to Our Rose for Tapas and Wine the following afternoon.
Including Jim and Carola, there were about a dozen of us...
My tapas were made up of Tuna 2 ways, Crayfish, NZ Sirloin, Spicy Pawpaw Salad, Fresh Bean Salad Oriental style, Balsamic Tomatoes, Fresh Bread Rolls and lovely fritters Carola made.
Of course, this was all followed by Pavlova!
Some of the crowd in the photo below
It was a really fantastic afternoon/evening,
the guitars coming out after many liquid refreshments and the cuban cigars (hahaha)
A few days later,
I went up to look at the artwork they had completed during the week
it was really amazing!
I went up to look at the artwork they had completed during the week
it was really amazing!
Chris (www.chrispostle.com) gave Richard and I this beautiful painting
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You...
We have the perfect pride of place for it on Our Rose.
