Tonga

First impression: Everything is about the King's coronation! Already on the plane we had to wait till the King's entourage left the plane. There was a welcome committee with music and dances at the airport and on the way to Toni's Guest House, people decorated their houses, the streets with garlands and the villages put big gates with banners ('God bless your Majestic' and 'Happy Coronation) up. It seems nearly everyone in Tongatapu was involved. Toni's Guest House is a basic accommodation with a very special host Toni. He moved 17 years ago to Tonga and stayed. His very dry sense of humour is even acknowledged in the LP Guidebook and guests won't be disappointed. His wife Lenny is lovely and so they build a very interesting couple. The next day I went on Toni's very popular Day Tour around the Island. He has a great knowledge of Flora, Fauna and Tongan Culture (and yes I never will forgot how a Mormon Church looks like Toni!) and is happy to share it and spice it up with some sarcastic comments that definitely provide some entertainment during the tour. I've met during the tour as well Rose from Cornwell with her lovely Kids Valentin and Dolly. She supported my Idea to leave the Main island and highly recommend to go to VaVa'u. Thanks Rose!!! Unfortunately there was no chance as a 'normal' human being to watch or join the coronation so I decided to leave the Main island and took the next flight to VaVa'u. VaVa'u is very pretty and it is so much more relaxed than Tongatapu. Actually I was glad to escape the 'craziness' of the Main island, guess spent already to much time in the South Pacific and appreciate the island time. I've stayed in Adventure Backpackers where I've met Emma and she told me very excited about her great swimming with whales experience trip. I've decided the next day to take it easy, go to the beach and relax, well I never got there because on the way I had a quick look in the Tropical Tease' shop and Cindy the friendly owner invited me to stay for a glass of champagne since she celebrated the six anniversary of the shop. Obviously I didn't want to seem rude and so I joined them, the first glass was quickly filled up again and the second customer of the day Miguel arrived and at the same time the cake, so we had to stay a bit longer and finally I left in the early afternoon not to be to late for the Friday Sailing race. Back at the Hostel I've met last but not least Yves and after some Pasta cooking advice we were all ready to go the race. Emma, Yves and I decided to have a drink and watch the race from the sunset terrace while Miguel was on the Manuko and doing his best with the support of Steve the Captain to bring the boat as first over the finish line. This had to be celebrated with dinner and drinks in the Mermaid Bar (the local). It turned out to be a very funny and entertaining evening, but for various reasons and to avoid embarrassment I won't go into to detail, I am sure all parties involved will appreciate. (Just one thing, sewing in the night is in Tonga more common then I've thought...)

Anyway next day – swimming with humpback whales!!!

I was extremely excited and looking forward to it. Miguel joined me and we headed of to Dive Vavau, where we met Dave our guide. We got on board and on our way to the whales we picked up a couple. That was just perfect, special since not more then four people are allowed at once into the water with the whales. The first hour was a bit disappointing, we didn't see any whales and I started to be concerned if we are going to be lucky today. But then finally with saw a blow hole, drove up and when we were coming close, they turned the engine off to see how the whale react and if he was interested in us. We were waiting and ready in our wetsuit and snorkel equipment and staring on the sea. Finally Dave got into the water and gave the signal to follow him, it was very exciting. We just saw the whale in 10m distance for a few seconds before he dived very deep down (approx 70m) but it was enough for me to be fixed. We were very lucky, didn't have to wait very long and we could go into the water with two whales at the same time. They were only max 5m a away and they were so curious that they were coming back once more. We swam during the day with eight whales and in the evening I just couldn't get the big smile of my face and stop talking about (sorry guys...).

Emma, Yves, Miguel and I booked a day trip on the Cyber for the next day. But when we arrived at the harbour they told us to wait because more guest were coming, after 1,5h waiting (that even seemed to long for island time) the Captain told us that the boat is now private chartered by the King and we were not able to get on any more. OK the King rules, obviously nothing that we could do, just a shame that we wasted our time... So we went to the Mermaid, met some 'locals' and called Steve from the Manuoku, who was happy to sail us around VaVau's beautiful island group. We had a great day of sailing, snorkeling and of course taking pictures (...)!!! The last evening we spent of course again in the Mermaid and on Monday after breakfast we had to say good bye to Emma, the only one of the crew who treated herself and stayed a bit longer in VaVa'u. After some complications caused by Air Tonga Miguel, Yves and I arrived safely in Tongatapu and we met in the eve again for dinner and say good bye to Miguel, he was heading off to Fiji to feed sharks... Yves and I decided to meet the Princess of Tonga at her husbands family reunion, have a drink at the Dateline Hotel Bar and checked out the local sightseeing places. I preferred the Whalphin Fountain between Treasury and Palace. However next day was unfortunately again time so say good bye (before I forget: thanks for the strawberry ice cream, was yummy! ) and I was on my way to my last stop in the South Pacific: Samoa.