November 13, 2012
It is finally here! The day we move to site- the catch is that it takes a 24-hour ferry ride to get to Vava’u… Before the never ending ferry all us Vava’u people got a big breakfast at the touristy Friends Café and then did some last minute shopping around town. I got to have a great conversation with one of the old volunteers who will be leaving at the end of the week. We got to talk about her service and things she learned and some information that will be helpful for me to know early on.
Eventually the moment came and we all shoved our way to the front of the line (a feat in its own because Tongans don’t believe in lines, just elbows) and got a great spot on the outdoor covered deck area. The Boat is a semi-new donation from Japan so everything is in Japanese but it is a huge improvement from the Tongan ferry before it, the last boat wasn’t Peace Corps safety approved. The boat ride was actually not bad, we got to see a South Pacific sunset on the water and we got to see an amazing view of the night sky. We actually got to sleep a bit and we woke up in enough time to walk around the main island in the Ha’apai group while the boat was docked. Being on the open water, rocking back and forth for hours was all worth it for the amazing entrance into the Vava’u island group. Seeing all the amazing islands and the natural beauty of our new home was the best motivator I have ever received.
When we finally docked, all our principals where there to meet us, mine had ka’hoa (traditional Tongan lays) and sliced fruit waiting for me. We loaded the truck with all of my stuff and set off to my new home.
Sean, Harrison and me
the Vava'u crew
A Pacific sunset
outer island in Vava'u
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