from caves to marches

After a busy week in 'Eua, I returned to Nuku'alofa just in time to enjoy the best weather that we have experienced since arriving two months ago. The days are sunny and in the mid to high 20s. The south-east trade winds keep things very comfortable and even a little cool at nigh.

On Saturday we took advantage of this good weather by going camping at 'Anuhulu Beach. 'Ana is the Tongan word for cave the beach features just that as well as a graveyard and some good snorkelling.

Due to some laziness on our part, we arrived too late on Saturday to do much other than cook dinner and gaze at the stars. The latter is one of the highlights of living somewhere away from the glow of city lights.

The same is true of the sunrises and sunsets. 'Anahulu beach faces east towards 'Eua, so in the morning I rose early and watched the sun sneak over the horizon before we settled down for breakfast ahead of our first exploration of the cave. As much of the cave that we explored didn't quite live up to its full title (hulu means vast or large), but there was still plenty to see including bats, a few large pools and, unfortunately, because this is Tonga, plenty of litter. We took candles in with us and set them up around the cleanest and largest of the pools as we went for a swim. It was little cold and a bit eerie, but we all emerged from the cave safe and sound. Another trip into the cave was organised for the afternoon, and at that time it was a great way to escape the heat of the day.

No photos from inside the cave unfortunately. There are some photos of the graves up on my flickr site.

If that wasn't enought of a highlight for the week, Thursday saw the opening of parliament. This is no dull and dour affair, but starting from about 9:30 in the morning involves schoolchildren and military groups marching and dancing up and down the main street of Nuku'alofa for the best part of four hours. There are plenty of photos on my flickr site, which best capture the colour and pageantry of the day. I am looking forward to the parade for the King's birthday, his health permitting, which should make yesterday's celebration seem rather dull.