Traveling Tolins 2

Alluring sand beaches, magnificent emerald-clad hills, and stunning coral reefs comprise the 330 islands of the Fijian archipelago.  The nation's relaxed capital of Suva, on the picturesque island of Viti Levu, is the largest city in the South Pacific and a thriving center of culture and history.  The Thurston Gardens are the pride of the islands, lined with palms, water lilies, ginger trees, and other local flora.  Within the gardens, alongside the island"s beloved distinctive clock tower, the Fijian artifacts, including relics dating back up to 3,700 years and the rudder from the HMS Bounty, the British merchant ship whose fate was sealed by a famous mutiny. Navua Village River Tour Our excursion today took us on an exhilarating cruise in small long-boats up the beautiful Navua River, past villages, farm lands, pristine tropical rain forests, deep gorges and canyons, meandering rapids, and numerous cascading waterfalls.    Loaded up for one-hour "d

By request from the Wednesday morning quilt ladies at Church of the Resurrection (COR), we are posting sample pictures of food served at the buffet on the 7th deck. Pork roast with brown sugar and honey. Mild white fish chunks, sea scallops, and baby Norwegian shrimp, all batter dipped with coconut flakes then deep fried - oh, my!  The ship if Norwegian; they must have 3/4 fill it with awesome shrimp that has been fixed dozens of ways.  We must have had some every day since we boarded ship in Miami on December 15.  Steamed vegetables (best we have ever eaten due to spices used; not mushy) and french fries.     Salad makings. Desserts; just too good!  There is an ice cream station with four kinds of cookies daily.  Every other day they bring out the biggest cinnamon buns! Any one hungry? Plate of a dozen baby Norwegian shrimp, lightly sauteed (while we stood watching) in very flavorful cooking oil + spices, that Diane and I split for lunch toda

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.  W e 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 Dougla