Settling into to the Tongan way of life!

What a relaxing place to be! So nice not have to be rushing anywhere and even nicer to be spoiled by Karen and Andrew.

With nothing planned we've spent the day just lazing around. We went down to town again and had another wander in and out of the shops. We've also visited the market we're they sell fresh produce. 

Hakula Lodge is a lovely house that sits up on the hill and overlooks Koko Bay with a beautiful view of Neiafu. The house has full access down to the water and a dock we're the boat is moored. It's been quite windy since we arrived so Andrew is reluctant to take us out in the boat. He's been doing maintenance on his and Terry offered to give him a hand. While Andrew and Terry were painting Karen and I decided to soak in the view from the dock. 

Most of the day was spent just lazing around and reading, so not really doing anything to tell, although later in the day I did join Karen's walking group. Apparently we did the easy walk which in some parts was quite steep. Thank goodness we didn't tackle the hard one. The walk was done in the quickest time for the group. Karen is claiming it was the runners that we brought her from home however I'm saying it was because of me. We'll see if we can beat it on Wednesday.

On Tuesday we offered to take some guests out to the airport and on our way they wanted to call into the market. This market runs everyday and some days you can get what you want but on other days you just have to look at an alternative. All the stall holders are Tongan and are very friendly and keen for you to buy from their stall. The food is fresh and while some it may not look pretty is it's all delicious

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Our next sightseeing trip out was to see the Botanical Gardens at Ene'io Beach which is a beautiful spot on the eastern side of the island. They have a lovely little restaurant out there where we could have fish and chips or... fish and chips. Luckily they were probably the best fish and chips we've ever had. The view from our table was pretty good too! 

After lunch we went for a walk down the beach while we were waiting for the tour to start. It's a very pretty beach and safe for families as they have dug out the rock and created pools. Little ones for babies and a bigger one for the older children. 

We walked down to the end where there was a clearing which I think in the future they plan to build some accommodation. It would be an idyllic spot.

The tour through the garden was really interesting and it was amazing how many plants have medicinal purposes. The owner Hanateli Fa'anunu is obviously very proud of his garden, as he should be, and he is a very entertaining guide.

The plants throughout the garden are beautiful with plants from many parts of the world. The only downside is the mozzies that inhabit it. I wasn't affected (obviously I have sour blood) but one of the guests was getting so badly bitten he decided to cut the tour short.

The garden is funded by sponsors who purchase avenue for three years. Hanateli told us how Mel Gibson (the actor) had purchased an island and wanted to grow vanilla beans. His son came to to visit the garden to get some advice. Hanateli cheekily agreed as long as he sponsored the garden. There is now a Gibson Family Avenue because they paid a $1000. You should have seen the smile on Hanateli's face when he told us this story.

Probably the avenue Hanateli is most proud of is National Geographic Avenue. National Geographic have visited the garden several times. 

Another great day with a lovely evening with Karen, Andrew and their next door neighbours.