Tonga

I lived there for almost five years when I was younger, and returned some years later for a visit. I absolutely love Tonga. You will never meet more friendly, generous and loving people anywhere in the world.

The islands are gorgeous. Small country, big-hearted people and a lot of wonderful things to experience that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

I want to move my family to Tonga. Vava’u is the island of choice. I am tired of the stress of living in South Africa and want a more peacefull existance. My concern is my children. Sarah 16 and Ryan 13. Not knowing anything about life on the islands my question is, are there many teenagers in Vava’u??
What would life be like for them?? my wife and I will fit in with anyone but kids are different. I would also like to buy a small business and house.
(Are there any South Africans over there?)

Any comments will be welcome.

Stuart

Frank and Daphne Vitae our friendly hosts, Caves, Big Bats, Sarongs, Standing astride the dateline at a bar being in today and tomorrow simutaneously and just being completely and absolutely away from it all. I doubt I’ll ever be back there in person because it’s so far out of the way but will often go there in memory.

I love beaches and sunny weather…

My family up and moved here when I was all of 8 years old. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of this place. Geat culture, excellent climate, Beautiful People!

Ive been to tonga and enjoyed my time there , the country is full of friendly people and has a great tourism scene which is well catered for by beautiful and thriving resorts.

What i do suggest is that you go off the beaten track , you dont have to stay in a resort the entire time you are there and there are a huge amount of homestays and boarding houses availiable all run by friendly local folk. Take the time to get to know these people and expose yourself to there way of life . Doing this lead to me thinking about the country differently and since visiting i have been involved in lobbying there government on certain issues .

The country is beautiful , the culture is beautifull and real tongans with their storys of daily life , their work , their history is beautiful too.

And have never been here so Id like to make it a goal to visit this beautiful place with them.

I’m visiting Nukalofa and Fa Fa Island in March 2006. Would love to chat to any locals.

I loved Tonga. The diving was wonderful, even right off Tongatapu (sharks, giant clams, lots of coral). If you need to stay in a nice hotel, forget it. Otherwise, it’s perfect Polynesia.