September 3, 2024
Family Fun, Labor Day Weekend in OCNJ!
The weather turned out to be one of the best I remember for a Labor Day Weekend in a long time. Had great beach time with my brother Michael's family, pictured above. Especially enjoyed my time with the littlest members of the family. Catching them standing still or together was a challenge! Had lots of fun with Jack teaching him a new rhyme. The giggle melts my heart every time!
Also got to hear some Chris and Leah's wedding details and honeymoon plans, two weeks - a Safari in Kenya then a Beach Resort in Mauritius (Stacy from the ship spa gave me a must do list for them in Mauritius)! I even got to help with a craft DIY for the weekend !
NUKU' ALOFA, is the capital of The Kingdom of Tonga , one of the last remaining Polynesian monarchies in the world. It is on the main island of Tongatapu. The Kingdom of Tonga is compromised of 170 islands, in the South Pacific and many are uninhabited. Most of the islands are protected by lagoons and some like Tongatapu are surrounded by limestone cliffs. This second port for us in Tonga , was the starting point of my latest adventure, off the Ship.
NEIAFU is the second largest town in Tonga . It lies in northern Tonga . The population is just over 3,900.From the 1880's to 1900, it was a German coaling station, until Briatian took over in 1900 as a protectorate. Again, we received another festive greeting of song and dance from the locals.
A bunch of things happening, despite not stepping on terra firm, the last 5 days! We crossed the international date line last night and lost the entire day of January 25th! So Weird! We are now 18 hours ahead of my friends and family on the east coast of USA.