March 12 – 13, 2008

We boarded flight once again, and takes another hour and half to get to Tongatapu. We met our transfer to Faua Wharf to catch a boat to Fafa Island which is about a 15 minute boat ride away.

Fafa Island Resort is owned by a very nice German couple. They have 13 fales (pronounced'fa-lays', which are Tongan huts) and 1 restaurant and bar.

There was no breeze, even though we were right at the ocean, they said it was unusual and that normally there is a breeze. The ocean was very calm as well.

Transferred back to Faua Wharf by boat, and had a few minutes to wander around. Not much there but some locals were selling fresh fish and produce. We saw something we didn't recognize in a re-used plastic Coke bottle for sale. Another agent on my trip asked what it was. The lady told us it is raw, chopped up sea cucumber. Tina asked how to cook it. The lady laughed and told us it supposed to be eaten raw. Hmmm...

The Royal Sunset Island Resort's boat came to pick us up. The driver of the boat (he was Tongan) was standing up on the seat and had his body out the roof of the boat and steering with his feet, so he could see where the coral was and where it was too shallow as to not hit any of it. It was great.

It took a bit longer to get to Atata Island (20 mins or so), where the resort is located. We were met with fresh coconuts with a straw in the top as welcome beverages. We were staying the night here, so our luggage had already arrived and was in our fales.

The fales are basic, good for families. There are some palm trees and other trees between you and the sandy beach, probably for some shade. There were 3 of us in our Fale, two twin beds in the main room with kitchen sink and fridge, and one queen bed in a separate room. No air conditioning, although there are windows with screens in them that all open up for a breeze that goes through the fale, and to keep mosquitos out.

There were many dogs running about, they were all friendly. They were village dogs, the village being just a short 10-15 minute walk away. We had a visit from a village dog that came and hung out on our porch for a snooze. We met for dinner in the resort's restaurant, and were treated to a Tongan feast buffet. After dinner, we were treated to men and woman dancers doing traditional dances.

The women and men dancers spread coconut oil on their skin. Traditionally (and still done today), if you appreciate the women's dancing, you go and put paper money on her arms or back, and it sticks because of the coconut oil.