Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Your visit to the Kingdom will be enriched by learning a little of the Tongan beliefs and history. After living in Tonga a short while, I observed that the beautiful people of the islands have strong spiritual inclinations as well as superstitious beliefs.

Since the eighteenth century, Tonga has been a Christian nation. Worship is a central characteristic of most Tongan people. Even today, the beating of drums in the villages signal the time for prayer or choir practice. Tongans love to sing to prepare for song festivals and as part of their daily worship.

Religion is such a part of daily life that Tongan statute includes it. It is unlawful to open a store or shop on Sunday. Tonga is very peaceful and quiet on Sunday. The monarchy, nobles, as well as the commoners are encouraged to attend church. Families dress up in their best clothes to attend church. Some of them wear European style hats and elaborate fabrics that shine or sparkle to their services. Sunday is also the day that the best food is prepared and shared with neighbors so no one goes hungry.

Christian denominations in Tonga include the Free Wesleyan, Roman Catholic, and Seventh Day Adventist Churches, as well as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There are many church schools throughout Tonga.

There are specific times of the year which are religiously significant for Tongans:

Uike Lotu – the first week of every year. Some Christians gather morning and evening each day of this week for prayer, worship and feasting.

Toetu’u – Easter camps are held in many churches. It starts on Friday, and they feast, worship, play sports and sing.

Katoanga Misinale – Mission Giving or Stewardship Sunday is held the last part of the year. This tradition includes making a financial offering to their church. They donate thousands of dollars to build churches for the benefit of their fellow saints.

Po Le’o – The last day of the year (New Year’s Eve) is a special day of celebration and worship. They give thanksgiving for making it to the end of the year. At midnight, they try to be the first one to greet their relatives in the new year.

Tongan traditions are intertwined with religion. Several superstitions are woven into the fabric of Tongan daily life. My first experience with this occurred when we passed a graveyard while riding our bikes. I was whistling, and my wide-eyed friend told me to stop it. I was surprised when he told me that the whistling will wake the spirits of the dead in the graveyard, and that they would follow me.

Another time, while we were cleaning a grave, I noticed some black rocks that seemed to distract from the beauty of the place. I went about removing them until my husband informed me they were very special volcanic rocks (from another island), and that I was not to remove them, or something dreadful might happen to me. Also, they have a strong belief that evil spirits can, and do, enter your body. They call it puke tevolo (devil sickness). They crush certain herbs and plants and smear them all over their body, including their hair, to get rid of the demons.

Another superstition is that you should not touch your father’s head, and especially do not eat your father’s left overs. There are many more superstitions, but suffice it to say, they have not totally moved away from their ancient Tongan beliefs, even though they adopted Christianity.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

Email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

If you have time in Rome and want to do something a little off the beaten track, why not visit Cinecittà Movie Studios?  Sprawled over 99 acres, Cinecittà translated means “Cinema City” and is affectionately known as “Hollywood on the Tiber.” Cinecittà Movie Studios are the largest film studios in Europe and they do feature tours for visitors.

About Cinecittà Movie Studios and Location

 Located just 5.6 miles southeast of the historic district in Rome, Cinecittà Movie Studios is conveniently located to hotels and apartments in Rome, the studios can be reached by taking the Metro A line to the Cinecittà station. It is the only movie studio in the world where it is literally a one-stop movie production and includes   pre-production, production and post-production all in one place. Today there are over 300 dressing rooms, 21 make-up areas plus administrative offices here. Two large tents and 22 sound stages are here along with an outdoor 7000 square meter tank which allows for filming of ocean scenes.

History

Since 1937 3000 films have been shot in these studios and of these 83 have received Oscar nominations and 48 have been Academy Award winners. These include: Ben Hur, Cleopatra, La Dolce Vita, The English Patient, The Passion, Roman Holiday, The Pink Panther, The Agony and the Ecstasy and others.

Some of the more accomplished producers and directors have made films at Cinecittà Studios and perhaps Federico Fellini can claim title to the most films here. Other famous directors and producers who have filmed here are Martin Scorsese with Gangs of New York and Francis Ford Coppola, who says that "I really feel at home here in Cinecittà." Franco Zeffirelli directed Romeo and Juliet here and Cinecittà Studios has been home to Roberto Rossellini and Mel Gibson among many others.

 Cinecittà Today

This busy studio produces both national and international films today. Besides that videos, commercials, and television productions are shot here plus some photo shoots. Cinecittà Studios is a very busy place. Currently in production is another version of Romeo and Juliet featuring Paul Giamatti.

As a way to provide incentives to filmmakers to shoot in Italy, Italian tax credits are available, as they are in other major movie cities such as New York City.

Studio Tours

At Via Tuscolana, 1055, Cinecittà Studios has tours which are open to the public. Its “Cinecittà Shows Off” has recently become a permanent exhibition where you can tour the back lots of movie sets of ancient Rome in an interactive fun tour. You will see costumes used in Fellini’s movies as well as dresses worn by Sophia Loren and Cameron Diaz in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York.

All aspects of moviemaking are explored as you tour rooms which focus on set designs, directing and sound and all the other aspects of film production. Tours are from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm daily except Tuesdays with slightly shortened hours on the weekends. Ticket prices range from 11 Euros to visit the exhibition to 20 Euros for a guided tour of outdoor sets and a look behind the scenes. Reduced prices are available for seniors and children.

Cinecittà Studios is a excellent way to spend the day when staying for extended stays in Rome apartments and hotels and one is looking for something different.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

 Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Ravello, Italy is one of the smaller towns, less touristy towns on the Amalfi Coast perched high above the Gulf of Salerno and the towns of Amalfi and Maiori. On a driving tour along the Amalfi coast a wonderful English speaking guide named Stefano suggested going to Ravello and it was totally worthwhile.

With a population of 2500 Ravello is suspended almost 1200 feet above sea level and from this vantage point I was treated to some of the most picturesque views of the coast.  It is beautiful town to wander around the tiny alleys and discover hidden doorways and small churches. It is a place where you can just enjoy the atmosphere of tranquility.

Much quieter than its neighboring tourist towns of Positano and Amalfi, Ravello has become a favorite destination for artists, writers and musicians. It has the distinction to having been home to Richard Wagner, M.C.Escher, Gore Vidal, Virginia Woolf, Sara Teasdale, Ibsen and Giovanni Boccaccio.

Wagner Summer Festival

Ravello is the place where the famous composer Richard Wagner found his inspiration in the late 19 th   century.  In fact each year between April and October the Wagner Summer Festival takes place at Villa Rufolo here in Ravello.

This has become a tradition since it began almost 60 years ago. Initially the music festival predominantly featured the works of Wagner, but today it offers music from a variety of classical composers as well as chamber and jazz selections.

Villa Rufolo

Situated right next to the Cathedral in the main square is Villa Rufolo, a 13th   century building which today is a small museum with awesome gardens. Its main tower, Torre Maggiore, rises almost 100 feet high into the sky creating a wonderful opportunity for photographers like me. Its castle-like look is very appealing even though the luxury of what once inside is only a memory today.

Villa Cimbrone

This    historic building dates back to the 11th century although Villa Cimbrone was completely remodeled in the 20th century and is a hotel today with magnificent gardens that are open to the public.

A landmark of Ravello, Villa Cimbrone was made famous when the movie star Greta Garbo stayed here.

Rooms here are not cheap.  The lowest priced room is a single room in the off season priced at 320 euros, and a frescoed ceiling suite with a balcony and sea view suite can run 1200 euros a night in high season.

Many weddings are booked here because the views are unmatched. Probably what Villa Cimbrone is best known for is its “Belvedere of Infinity.” This is an outdoor terrace which is lined with Roman busts sculpted from marble. From the terrace the views of the coastline below and the Tyrrhenian Sea are incomparable.

Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Pantaleone  was built in 1087 and originally dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. One of its most interesting features is its 13th century bell tower along with its bronze doors made up of 54 rectangular panels depicting the life of Christ. The Cathedral is the heart of Ravello and can’t be missed in Piazza del Duomo. The Duomo was totally restored as recently as 1973.

La Vecchia Cantina

One of my favorite meals on the Amalfi Coast was in Ravello at La Vecchia Cantina.  This family run Ravello restaurant served excellent meals at reasonable prices. One of the specialties was pasta with marinara sauce and pumpkin, which was delicious according to one of my tablemates. I had pasta arrabbiato and a salad of tomatoes and arugula called “rocket,” which was heavenly.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

As a UNESCO Word Heritage site, Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing two and a half million visitors a year. Pompeii is considered to be one of the world’s best archeological sites because it is so well preserved.

Pompeii was originally damaged after an earthquake in A.D 62, and then after the devastating eruption of Mt Vesuvius in A.D 79, this ancient city was buried beneath 13-20 feet of lava and ash. It was not until 1749, almost 16 centuries later, that Pompeii was accidentally uncovered and excavated. Ongoing excavations and restorations continue today.

Located at the Bay of Naples in southwestern Italy, Pompeii is only 17 miles south of Naples.  A few years ago I went on a day trip from Sorrento which including a drive along the beautiful Amalfi coastline and a stop in Pompeii.

Arranged through the wonderful family operated tour company, Pleasantravel.com  the experience was the highlight of my trip. The very knowledgeable English-speaking guide Stefano, along with the friendly and able driver Antonio, provided a fantastic personalized tour of the Amalfi Coast.

Usually I like to wander around in Italy on my own with no set agenda, but visiting Pompeii is an exception.  Pompeii is definitely one of those places where I highly recommend a tour guide.  Stefano explained that Italy has strict rules governing the official tour guides who are credentialed and have to be paid separately.

The two hour tour of Pompeii with Hector, who claims to be the “best” of the tour guides, was totally worth it, as he has been doing these guided walks through Pompeii for over 15 years. There is much to see and it was only enhanced by Hector’s explanations of what I was seeing. The weather left something to be desired as it poured most of the time I was there, but it still was an amazing experience.

What is so incredible about Pompeii is that it provides a clear picture of Roman life. There are homes, markets, villas, baths and even a 2-story brothel complete with frescoes depicting various activities. Almost 20,000 people lived here prior to it being buried.  The mosaics and intact pottery items are so awesome when you realize that these things date back almost 2000 years.

Recent collapses of some of the structures in Pompeii have brought to the forefront the need for ongoing restoration to this archeological site. Only one archeologist works full-time on this project but it was recently announced that the Italian government and the European Commission have agreed to fund 105 million euros to the Great Pompeii Project for the next four years. The funding will allow for more archeologists to work at the site and also for the important restoration to be achieved.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

Light years ago (it seems) I attended my first Tongan funeral. My husband had secured a teaching position at an educational institution on the main island in the Kingdom of Tonga. As a mixed couple (Tongan/American) I was trying very hard to fit in to this new culture.

In Western culture, funerals are a solemn occasion where we try to control our emotions, and comfort the survivor with comments like, “he/she is in a better place,” “at least he/she didn’t suffer,” and “let me know if you need anything.”

My first putu (funeral) in the Tongan culture was poles apart from the run of the mill funerals I was used to. We were at a dance where my husband was chaperoning. It was announced that a good friend of his had passed away unexpectedly. The man was also a student at the school where we lived.

I was thrown deep into a traditional quandary. My husband informed me to change into black clothes. We walked to see the spouse and children of the deceased. The widow was unconsolable, which was understandable given the untimeliness of her husband’s death, as well as the number of children she was now solely responsible for. She was wailing, loudly, and pounding her head and breasts.

I was hoping someone would slip her something to calm her down a bit. No matter what people did or said, the wailing continued….all that night and into the wee hours of the morning, and still did not stop when the body was in the grave. There was no mortuary, no embalming fluid, nor casket for the body. After hours of the incessant lamenting, I thought she would wear down and rest for a moment, but there was no relief. Her small children clung to her skirts, all wailing as well.

Family and friends arrived in black, most wearing large frayed mats around their waists, some covering their backs and up over their heads. It appeared to me that some had picked up the floor mat from their home and wrapped it around them. The women dusted ashes from the outdoor kitchen in their hair which was let loose. It reminded me of the stories I had read in the bible of ancient times.

The crowd sat cross legged on the ground singing hymns. A big pot of topai (Tongan round cakes) boiled to feed the mourners. Many pigs, horses, dogs and chickens also lost their lives that night, since it is customary to feed all that come for several days. I admired how everyone worked together to take care of business, leaving the wife time to grieve however she wished.

Then the biggest challenge afforded itself. Before the burial, each person took their turn kissing the deceased. I was taken aback when I realized my turn was coming up. Could I really kiss a cold corpse, especially with everyone looking to see if this little palangi (foreigner) was up to the task? I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. I wanted to show them that I had it in me, so I bent down, partially closed my eyes and kissed the remains of my husband’s friend. When I stood up, I could feel the world spinning, and felt as if I was going to pass out. I could also feel my stomach churning, and hoped I could get away before I upchucked all that I had eaten that day. I had so much more to learn!

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the uniqueness and beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

 Malaga is a beach town on the Andalusia coast of Spain. It is the fifth largest city in Spain and is a popular tourist destination due to its prime location in the Mediterranean. Malaga has a comfortable subtropical climate, which is perfect for lounging and relaxing on the beach. There are several beaches to choose from in Malaga.

Playa Palo is a popular beach that is located to a marina called El Candado. It is perfect for travelers that enjoy sailing, fishing and diving. It is also popular for its amenities, which includes parking lots, beach bars, restaurants, life guards and a promenade. The sand here is soft, pristine and ta.

Playa Huellin is a local beach that is often overlooked by tourists. Here you will find a more relaxing and authentic beach experience. It is located near the Banderas promenade, which is named after the popular Spanish actor Anotonio Banderas. It has a laid-back atmosphere with several common beach amenities. This beach is perfect for those who enjoy less crowded beaches.

Playa Las Acacias is a popular beach that is often crowded with tourists and locals. This beach stretches a mile long that is divided by several comfortable coves. It is popular among the younger crowd because of its lively promenade. This beach has very fine sand and a variety of amenties.

If you are looking for a more tempting beach, consider Playa Almayate Bajamar. It is a nudist beach that stretches three miles long. Although it is a nudist beach, it has a laid-back atmosphere and is often far from being crowded. A new promenade is in the works, which may give the beach a tourist vibe and attract more international travelers.

Playa de la Malagueta is a pristine beach with beautiful black sand. It stretches one mile and is located near the Paseo Pablo Picasso, a busy town center that has shopping, restaurants and bars. It is accessible by bus and includes several life guards on duty. Although this beach is most popular among locals, tourists are finding out about this gem and visit more often, especially during the summer time.

Comfortable weather and plenty of sun has made Malaga a featured destination for many Europeans, with many cheap flights to Malaga it is no wonder that many travelers have made this a popular resort town on the Mediterranean.

Forget Australia, Rio de Janeiro and even Ibiza or the beaches of Sunny California, you have plenty of options this time to choose from the bounty of coastal regions in India. The action is happening in India’s beaches and you sure wouldn’t want to miss all the fun. Take a look at the best 5 beaches we have found for you and be marveled at what they have to offer.

	The quiet yet happening Varkala A perfect place to beat the heat, unwind and relax or even enjoy swimming.  One of the best dramatic sunsets is seen here. Plenty of beach shacks where you can unwind with a drink in your hand, watching the sun go down into oblivion…… read more
	The Pleasures of Being at Mystical Gokarna Gokarna is a holy town, small and remote and has four pristine and very secluded beaches. In equal measure one would find the party animal and the holy tourist flocking around this place….read more
	The Beauty of Palolem With thickets enclosing every part of the Palolem beach, the coconut palms make this beach one of the best in India. The beach is long, semi-circle in shape and very shady, thanks to the row of palm trees….read more
	The Beautiful Baga beach If you are in North Goa, don’t miss the opportunity to be at Baga Beach. The beach always has activity and action happening on its sandy coasts. Right from fine dining options to thrilling water sports such as snorkeling, and a nightlife that beats till early next morning, Baga is surely a paradise to be at…read more
	The Silent Yet Well Known Marari On the fringes of Kerala in close quarters to Alleppey, for those of you who would like the stillness of backwaters, Marari is the place to be. It is still being developed and isn’t as crowded as other beaches are, hence a reason why tourists flock to this sleepy beach, which is actually a fisherman’s society…read more

With the five best beaches thrown to you by Thrillophilia – Adventure Tours India this summer, where do you plan to go and visit, do let us know!!

The Best Dog-Friendly Bars in San Francisco

It doesn’t matter if your pup is large, small, teacup, shaggy, wiry, slobbery, prissy, or overweight. You love him or her like a part of the family. That means wherever the family goes to eat and drink, you’d like your pooch to come too.

However, it can often be an ordeal trying to find a dog-friendly patio with great food and a working heater. Out of all of the cities in the U.S., San Francisco might just have the most dog-friendly places to eat and drink. So there’s no need to feel guilty about leaving your pet behind, grab a leash and hit the bars for a brew with your bud. We’ve identified a few great spots for you and all of your best friends:

Toronado

Located in the lower Haight, Toronado is the epitome of casual cool – and with old band stickers plastered on the walls and grumpy bartenders who simply can’t be bothered, the ambiance is in a class of its own. Make the night yours by blasting whatever you want on the jukebox and choosing from over forty beers. Unfortunately, no food is served, but you are more than welcome to bring in grub from the Rosamunde Sausage Grill next door. You’ll have no problem bringing your dog on by too, as most people will be distracted by the beer, barflies, and biker dudes.

Delirium

If you’re headed to the Mission, you’ll want to check out Delirium for a drink or two. It’s super grungy and casual with the cheapest drinks around. The bar doesn’t offer dinner, so the place is better suited to those looking for a pre- or post-dinner drink. Beer is no more than $6, and there’s a jukebox, pool table, and pinball machine for those who require further stimulation than libations and people watching. Of course, your dog is welcome to stand by while you enjoy your bargain-basement booze.

500 Club

Also in the Mission, is local dive 500 Club. The happy hours here are the main attraction, so bring your pup on down for an after work treat and unwind to the sweet smell of beer, must, and sports commentary. The weekend brunch scene is popping with a gregarious crowd downing Bloody Marys and often on Sundays, late brunches turn into Sunday night karaoke. Check out the photo booth for a memory with you and your dog that you’ll never forget.

Lone Palm

For something a little more upscale in the Mission, head on over to Lone Palm, which opened in the late 80s by a palm tree importer. The venue boasts a clientele of young professionals, first daters, and rich kid hipsters searching for proper drinks, and is a great alternative to the rest of the Mission neighborhood mayhem. Lone Palm is known for their martinis, but they’re equally famous for being one of the few (if not only) upscale drinking dens that allows Fido to tag along. So if you’re feeling a little fancy but don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home, Lone Palm is just the place. Also, with a dog, it’s the perfect spot to take a date, or pick up a new one!

Stray Bar

The name says it all. This is the quintessential dog bar in the city, which is immediately apparent when patrons are greeted at the door by Finnegan, the owner’s Australian shepherd. Dog lovers and Giants fans alike congregate to watch games and hang out with their bone-loving buddies. Stop by on Mondays for movie night, or Tuesdays for drag queen trivia. There’s really something for everyone here, including your dog.

So whether you head to one of these great dog-friendly bars, or even down to touristy Fisherman’s Wharf, there are plenty of dog-friendly bars to bring your furriest best friend to for a bite or a quick drink.

Find the Best Bars on a Budget

In this economy, you don’t have to be a starving student to be on a strict ramen noodle type budget. It seems like everyone is trying to save a few bucks, and wining and dining can be the first indulgence to fall off the list. Never fear, we’ve got some of the best bars on a budget no matter where you are in the country, because you gotta live, even if it’s just a little.

Los Angeles
Cha Cha Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy some drinks without breaking the bank. Okay, so the décor is a little less than matching, and it’s definitely a fight to get the attention of the bartender, but if you’re short on cash, it’s the place to be. Instead of cramped, think of it as cozy and hip, because that’s exactly what it is. Sitting in the heart of Silver Lake, you’re sure to be in hipster heaven as you bond with other patrons over sell out musicians, high rent, and $3 PBRs.
 

San Francisco
If the cash flow is tight, but you still want to treat yourself and/or your significant other right, check out Amélie. It’s a swanky wine bar with just enough spunk to keep it from being dull and parental. With a happy hour from 5:30-7pm, you can score a pretty good deal on some appetizers and $5 glasses of wine. It’s usually crowded with young professionals and casual trendsetters alike, and is the perfect after-work dinner spot.
 

Chicago
For a cultural budget dining experience, try Resi’s Bierstube, located in the former German immigrant inhabited Lakeview. You don’t need to know much about meteorology to understand that the Windy City can get pretty chilly, which is why so many Chicago dwellers, from older men to hipsters, love Resi’s traditional Bavarian cabin atmosphere and hearty menu. Like any respectable bar the beer list is extensive and inexpensive, with prices hovering around $5. Even though schnitzel and bratwurst taste especially good on a snowy evening, this is a great place to fill you up on the cheap any time of the year.
 

Washington, DC
The place to go for cheap drinks, even cheaper food, and wild nights, is most definitely Lucky Bar. With a long happy hour from 3-8pm, you can get down on $3 drinks and 25 cent food specials. If you’re a sports fan, this is the right place for you, especially if you like soccer. It can get a little crazy on Friday nights with top 40 DJs and frat kids, but if you’re not in the mood for the raucousness, head upstairs for a chiller vibe.
 

New York
Smack dab in the East Village you will find the diviest of the dives, International Bar. With a happy hour that goes from 1-8pm, you know they mean business. Though it’s decorated with a smattering of mismatched year-round holiday décor and odd furniture, patrons hardly seem to care as this is the place to go for a cheap and easy drink. Roll up in your pajamas or suit; no one will mind as you blast tunes no one has ever heard of from the jukebox. There is a back patio for warmer weather, and you can often find all walks of life setting up camp outside. For $2-$5 beers, who cares?

Boston

The Cambridge classic, Grendel’s Den, stays true to its Beowulf character namesake, with brick archways in a dark tavern setting. Harvard students and their slightly older professional counterparts, flock to this favorite bar for the $4.95 weekday lunch express specials and the great half priced menu from 5-7:30pm. Come for the cheap food and drinks, stay for the fun atmosphere, and chill out on the patio to people-watch passersby in Winthrop Square.

No matter what city you reside in or visit, there are options for those less fortunate souls. If you do enough research you could potentially save a ton of money staking out the best happy hours and drink specials in your city. So quit bugging your friends to spot you this time around, and find the best bars on a budget in your area.

Guest Post by Ruth Elayne Kongaika

When we lived in Tonga, visitors often asked us where to find the best sights on our island. Tongatapu undoubtedly has many fine sandy beaches where you can relax and cool off. Plus, depending on what you like to do, here are a few of my favorite suggestions that may whet your appetite.

The Royal Palace: Tonga is the last remaining kingdom in the South Pacific. Only members of the Royal Family live in The Palace, but you can peer through the fence, or see it from the waterfront.  Originally built in 1864, in comparison to other royal homes throughout the world, the Wood Victorian Palace in Tonga is quite humble. It has been the residence of Kings and Queens, and has also been the meeting place for many ambassadors and heads of state. You would really miss a big part of the past and present of the islands if you did not view The Palace. It recently underwent some renovations.

The Ha’amonga: On the northern end of Tongatapu, near Niutoua, you can find the Ha’amonga. It is a trilithon made of coral limestone slabs. It was manually constructed in the 13th century, and is believed to be an entryway into the royal compound of the ruler of that time who was called Tu’itatui. When you walk through the gate and venture a few yards more, you will find a large stone, which is believed to be the monarch's throne. It is curious how the ancients built the Ha’amonga, because of the large size of the stones (about 20 tons each). Of course, there is a legend attached to the structure, as well a real or imagined astronomical connection.

The Blowholes: I have never seen any thing to rival the amazing blowholes in Tonga. We lived not too far away from the village of Houma where they are best seen. When the rolling waves advance, you can hear a whistling as the water is pushed up through air vents in the rocks. The water shoots skyward, and depending on the tide, can be very spectacular. The spray from the blowholes can be observed along the rocky coastline for four miles on a clear day, and the propelled water can reach heights of 30 meters. There are little tide pools that you can carefully venture into, but stay far away from the edge.

The Flying Foxes: My husband’s aunt and several cousins lived in the village of Kolovai, which is known for the bats which are hanging in the ironwood pine trees. Once I understood that these bats, otherwise known as flying foxes, eat only fruit I felt much more at ease. They sleep upside down during the day, and venture out to look for fruit at dusk. I recall one little Tongan boy came up to us calmly holding the tips of the wings of one flying fox so we could see the wingspan. It was quite impressive, since some of them measure three feet across.  In Tonga, flying foxes are considered sacred, and thus they are protected.

‘Anahulu Cave: One of my favorite places to go in Tonga is the ‘Anahulu Cave. It is very close to Mu’a in the village of Haveluliku. There is a freshwater swimming hole in the underground stalactite cave. When we visited the cave, a local family invited us in, and put on a Tongan show for us. You will want to have a strong flashlight and sturdy shoes. Be careful as the rocks can be slippery, and look after your valuables. You can also swim at the beach with the same name as the cave.

Hufangalupe: If you want to see an unforgettable sight, travel to the south coast of Tongatapu to Hufangalupe. It is otherwise known as the “Pigeon’s Doorway”. There are towering cliffs, a natural bridge and a sandy cove. It is near the village of Vaini. Be very careful that you do not go near the edge of the cliff.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu