We woke up to showers this morning, and expected it to continue. It did until after breakfast, then the rain stopped and we saw some blue skies with fluffy clouds. OK….will we be lucky like yesterday ? One thing different today was that the wind was blowing a gale. Getting off of the ship at 9:45am, we almost blew away. Usually that means the rain will return. Doesn't matter because we did bring those umbrellas.
This time when we reached the main road from the pier, we took a left turn. First thing we passed was the Bus Station complete with a board showing all of the fares for students and adults. There is no set timetable for buses since they do the same route and the destination is on the front of the bus . There are no designated bus stops either, and the people simply wave down the bus and it will stop.
In this same area is Fa'onelua Park that used to have a children's playground. If there was equipment for the young ones, we sure did not see it. Perhaps it was washed away in the tsunami. There are many picnic-type benches on this stretch of green lawn. And another paved pathway follows along the coral rock seawall like we walked yesterday. For some reason we had expected to see a more city-like town center, but it was not like that. On this stretch of town, we saw local businesses….some opened but many closed. We could see evidence of the storm damage with the smaller buildings. And a few were in the process of being restored.
One building that looked intact was the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, although it was written in the brochure that only the guests can dine in the hotel. There was a banner on the outside showing a convention was in progress. Further up the road we spotted a very nice sidewalk produce market covered with a tent. This was much nicer than the marketplace yesterday, because it was light and bright, and in the fresh air. Everything the locals would need for fruits and veggies was right here. And every now and then, we passed small convenience shops. Along this same stretch were some embassies too.
On the water side, we came across a small boat harbor, followed by the old pier at Queen Salote Wharf. A container port was also located here. Fishing boats were moored here as well as larger fishing vessels. Along the roadside, we saw an open-air flea market, where locals were selling clothing and accessories under tents. Didn't appear they were expecting rain.
We could have turned around here, but curiosity killed the cat, and we continued on to see what else was up this road. The Naval pier was here and a few restaurants that looked closed. Across the road, we came upon a large church by the name of St. Mary's Cathedral. There was a group of locals cooking BBQ chicken and putting together what looked like lunches to go. Later on, we watched as cars pulled over, and purchased the packaged food. It is typical to see people buy food, then go park near the seawall and eat their lunch either in their cars or on the picnic benches.
Another interesting spot was a section of water enclosed with a coral bulkhead and separated from the open ocean. Things were set up for young kids as well as a food tent and restrooms. Picnic tables and benches were everywhere. There were no families today, but it is Friday and the kids are in school. Perhaps this place is for the weekends, especially Sundays.
We continued, but the town seemed to be behind us now. Studying the map yesterday, we knew this road would eventually end near the big lagoon. So we went a bit further and found some really nice estates which probably belonged to the ambassadors from the embassies. We did see one gated driveway that led to the New Zealand estate. And that is when the showers began lightly at first, then heavier. We found a huge casuarina tree to block the driving wind and rain and with our umbrellas, we did not get too wet. We also knew not to stand under those palm trees full of coconuts. We might not survive being struck by one of those.
At least four different locals stopped and offered us rides back to the pier. Two were moms with kids, one was a lady with a big van, and the last was the Fire & Rescue vehicle. We thanked them, but said we would be OK walking. Not one taxi pulled over to solicit a ride.
Time to head back, we eventully dried out since the worst of the showers had ended, or so we thought. Perhaps if one of the restaurants were opened by 12pm, we could duck inside for beers and lunch. The Billfish was one place we saw in the brochure, and they did look open. Except the place appeared empty and we did not check it out. Further up the road another place looked interesting called the Waterfront Lodge & Restaurant. Entering through a gate, we saw outdoor eating as well as the restaurant. There was no greeter, so we checked out the menu. They did have typical lunch entrees but no draft beer. And still no greeter, we decided to leave. Struck out again.
We got to the green park area when the rain began again. This time it was not a mist, and it turned out to be a real heavy shower. It took about five minutes to reach the gate on the pier where they take the facial recognition. Bill's would not register, so he had to dig out his room key. The wind was blowing the rain sideways, so we were getting soaked despite the umbrellas. Finally to the gangway, we were held up with very slow people boarding taking their sweet time. Oh well we could not have been any wetter at this point.
Back onboard, we headed for the Ocean Bar and had a beer and one daiquiri. Sure tasted good. So did the peanuts that Ray provided. We dried off somewhat before heading back to the room. The rain had continued for at least an hour, so we were lucky to have gotten back by 2pm. We ordered room service, and stayed on the veranda and worked online.
Everyone onboard was required to visit their muster station on deck three this afternoon between 2:30 and 5pm. For those of us that began our journey in Vancouver, it had been thirty days since we did our last muster. We were required to repeat it, so they had everyone do it. These days it is easy to just have your room key scanned by the deck people. Then we had to watch the safety video in our room to completion before the TV would advance to the main menu. Even after 4:30om, Ian was still calling guests who had not complied with the drill.
All aboard was 4:30pm, and Captain Frank gave his daily talk then. We have two days at sea now, and they will both be dated the same, as we will be crossing over the International Dateline once again. Remember we lost one day? Well, in the next two days, we will gain that day back. Finally after 5pm, the ship left Tonga behind, but not the rain. It will remain this way for a few days we were told.
Dinnertime had some special treats. One was split pea and ham soup and crispy chicken tenders with a honey-mustard drizzle. Could have made a meal of these two by themselves. One of us ordered the steak with a side of steak fries, and the other had the fish entrée. Both were good. Dessert was a slice of carrot cake and a small side of vanilla ice cream. Also good.
The ship has begun rocking and rolling, and will put us to sleep instantly….well at least one of us.
Bill & Mary Ann
