Tuesday, January 23, 2018, Tongatapu (Nuku'alofa), Tonga, Walking Tour

The highest elevation of Tongatapu, the largest of the 169 Tonga Islands, is 213 feet, setting it apart from many of the often-visited South Pacific islands.  Yet its flat, tropical landscapes hold a tranquil beauty all their own.  The island is composed of coral limestone and blanketed with fertile soil and ash that landed here after the eruption of nearby volcanoes.  Many of its richly diverse mangroves and lagoons are protected by the government.  As Tongs's cultural and political capital, the port city of Nuku'alofa hosts many landmarks of the nation's heritage, including the wooden Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs, and the spot where Captain Cook first landed on these shores in 1777. 

We arrived at Nuku'alofa, Tonga and were docked by 8 AM today.  The ocean and sky are beautiful here.

Nuku'alofa Walking Tour

We chose to take a walking tour in this capital city of Nuku'alofa.  Our first attraction was a statue of General Douglas McArthur, a hero of many who live in the South Pacific.

 The Royal Palace was next on the agenda.

This is the official residence of the King of Tonga.  Nuku'alofa's white Victorian wooden palace was commissioned by King George Tupou I.  The palace was prefabricated in New Zealand, shipped to Tonga, and erected in 1867.  The second-story veranda was added in 1882 and then the palace substantially extended during the reign of Tupou V.  Historically, the Privy Council was held at the palace.  Although not open to the public, it is easily visible from the waterfront and makes a great photograph.  

The present King George Tupou VI and his family do not live at the palace and instead use it for "official functions," with parts of the palace now used to house the Royal Archives and artwork. 

The big field is Pangai Lahi.  It is owned by the king so it is royal land.  The name Pangai is referred to as a special space for the king.  The field is only for royal and government events such as royal feasts, kava ceremonies, and parades.

This is a peak into the back yard of the Royal Palace.

Not far from the Royal Palace is a rain tree, so named because it has very small leaves that drift down in a moderate wind. 

This is the Royal Tombs (Mala'e Kula) which cover an entire block. In 1885 His Majesty King George Tupou I declared a day of fundraising (Red Day Festival) for the start of the first government public school.  Red was chosen to represent the blood of Christ.  After the Red Day Festival this ground was know as Mala'e Kula (red ground).  In 1893 when the king died, Mala'e Kula was chosen as the burial ground as it is part of the royal estate.  It was considered convenient for the catafalque bearers to march straight from the royal palace to Mala'e Kula.  King George Tupou I was embalmed and lay in-state at the royal palace while the construction work for the royal tomb was carried out.  King George Tupou I was the first to be buried here in 1893.

This high school is located behind the royal tombs.

 Beautiful vegetation in the area.

Centennial Church, Free Church of Tonga.  Built of coral block in 1888, it is a magnificent example of early Tongan church architecture.  The church was established in 1885 by King George Tupou I (formerly Taufa'ahau Tupou I) and Reverend Shirley W. Baker.  Originally with the name of Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, it became the official state church.  Queen Salote and King Tupou IV were both christened in the Free Church of Tonga.  The church operates three high schools, on each in Tongatapu, Ha'appai, and Vava'u, all named Tailulu College.

 A church similar to the Methodist Church.

Basilica of St.Anthony of Padua was the first basilica in the South Pacific islands.  Much of this building was constructed by volunteer labor between 1977 and 1980 with the unique conical roof allowing a show of light through the stained glass windows.  The large wooden beam joints are traditionally covered with coconut sennit mats woven locally.  The altar, lecturn, baptistry, pews, and tables were hand crafted with the Stations of the Cross made from coconut wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.  At Station XI, a tiny coconut tree that belonged to Queen Salote Tupou III is fitted into the hair of Christ.

An interesting fast food store; kinda like the good ol' USA. 

 A pretty modern looking hotel for here in the middle of nowhere.

 Down town market.

Cute kids eager to have their picture taken.

We were provided a kind, entertaining, and emotional send off at 5 PM.