FlyerTalk Forums - Christmas Day in TONGA ..............

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- - Christmas Day in TONGA .............. (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/181430-christmas-day-tonga.html)

Christmas Day in TONGA ..............

This is I imagine without doubt the first post EVER on Flyertalk from the Kingdom Of Tonga. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It is Sunday early evening here. December 21. Tonga is a strongly Christian country - the most observant I have ever visited actually. By Royal Edict, everything is closed in Tonga on Sundays. No shops, no markets, no restaurants, no bars, no taxis. No nothing. All air (and sea) travel is totally banned even inter-island. All bars MUST close at midnight Saturday etc. (I am using the hotel computer to post this.)

The only thing to do (well the only thing to do outside your room http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif ) is to go to Church. There are lots of churches. Many 100s of churches on this main island alone. We chose the (Pantecostalist?) Assembly Of God variety up the road from the hotel. No altars, no crucifixes, or even any religious portraits or statues or images of any kind whatsoever inside. Quite a culture shock to a lapsed catholic altar boy used to total screaming religious overkill inside churches.

It was a 3 hour sevice entirely conducted in the Tongan language. Not surprising as on Tonga almost no English is spoken. All locals, even youngsters converse entirely in the unique Tongan language. Those in service industry have "just" very rudimentary English we have found so far. Apart from Joh and I, the few 100 congregation was entirely Tongan. All dressed in their 'Sunday Best', which for most meant new thick, rigid, woven straw skirts - men and women. Boy they must be uncomforatable to sit in as they wear them OVER long skirts or pants. Lots of kids there too.

The pastor (?) introduced himself enthusiastically prior to the proceedings commencing. He later introduced us to the congregation, and asked us to stand up - to a burst of applause. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

He came and sat next to us after his sermonising was done with which was a friendly thing to do. At the end of the service everyone goes in a circle and shakes hands with everyone else.

We seem to be almost accepted as "locals" now. Walking back after church families in vans going home slowed down and were tooting and waving and smiling. (Maybe they were just making a comment about my loud Hawaaian type shirt .. who knows?) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Talk about a happy and joyous church service. A mini rock band with Marshall Amps, electric organ and guitars, full drum kit, and line of back up girl singers led the way. In the congregation - Lots of arm waving, standing, swaying, hand clapping, singalongs, whooping and hollering and loud "Hallelujahs" .... or whatever that is in Tongan. These folks really swing. Quite an uplifting morning. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

The end of each song is really bizarre. Everyone goes off on a 60 second rap trip seperately. Singing about problems/thanks/wishes .. I have no idea. But all loud, and all different. A strange thing to hear all morning.

I've regrettably never attended a fundamentalist Sunday service in deepest Alabama or Mississippi etc, but I suspect this is somewhat the Tongan version of that. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

The Tongans are huge people. The shoulders and neck of most men are twice my size, and I am no midget. But the name "The Friendly Islands" is no marketing gimmick. Everyone you pass on the steet smiles and says "Hello". Even gangs of teenage youths hanging around shops or street corners .... who back home I'd be wary of going too near all smile and say 'hi' here. Very interesting place to visit so far.

The view from our "hotel" room window is literally a full-on barnyard. Lots of chickens, and one huge fat pig (but with a long wagging tail) all happily co-existing in the mess, amid palm trees, Guava and bananas etc. Coconuts everywhere here. (Tropical climate identical to Hawaii.)

Will the fattened pig survive past Christmas Day??????????? (Bearing in mind pork on the spit is a big festive favourite here.) We will keep you posted!

The TV choice is interesting. There is only 1 channel ... receivable via basically non functioning "rabbit ears" aerial. Like I had in the 1950s as a kid - "snowy" and blurry. The programming for the past 2 days has been zealous religious evangelist stuff only. Shades of Jim and Tammy Fae Baaker. Whether it changes later in the week time will tell, but with Chrsitmas only 3 days away ........... watch this space.

A curious footnote. The Tongan made beer is called "1K Ale", which is pretty funny to be serving to 2 x United 1Ks to drink! The Crown Prince Laifone of Tonga set up the brewery - his photo is on the metallic foil label. "1K Ale Export Beer - 5% Alcohol - Royal Beer Company Limited, Kingdom Of Tonga" it says.

Any 1K reading this who wants a label for their UA kitsch collection please let me know, as I will peel a few off and mail them. I suspect after a week here we will have QUITE a stack. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I read today that TONGA is the first country on earth to host the dawn of each day, so I guess we will get CHRISTMAS DAY a few/a lot of hours ahead of y'all. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com

[Edited to correct "pentecostalist" spelling!]

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 12-23-2002).]

Thanks for your unusual trip report. We are used to hearing about upgraded rooms, free breakfasts, celebrity sightings, outrageous meals, and the like. It's refreshing to hear about local culture.

Your church experience sounds like a real winner. The correct spelling is Pentecostal. My wife grew up in the South where Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky all meet. I've been to a few wild church services. You are right about the rocking bands. They usually have a guitarist, bass player, drummer, and keyboard player. Full amplification. The whole congregation singing and shouting at the top of their lungs.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and there were a dozen or so Tongans that went to my high school. They were the largest humans on the planet but they were also very calm and relaxed. They had that laid back island thing going.

I like their use of "Kingdom" in the name of their country. Very old world exotic.

What is it about the South Pacific. It seems like all of these island nations contain the nicest people any of us have ever met.

Looking forward to more posts from the land of 1K Ale.

Always wanted to visit Tonga. Is it worth it? How does it compare to other islands like Fiji, Tahiti, etc? Thank you.

I remember when I was working for Air New Zealand back in the late 80's that in one of the ANZ manuals there was a section relating to flights made w/ the King of Tonga. Seems like he was so large that they would install a special seat for his use. Guess he didn't have to pay for two seats http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank you for writing the report! I really enjoyed reading your experience. Tonga is on my list (a long list) of places to visit. A few years ago, a Tongan was pulling out of his parked space and hit my parked car, smashing the lights. He asked his girlfriend if she knew the owner (no) and then they proceeded to go door-to-door (lots of apartments) to find the owner (me). It was at night so I was home. He could have easily hit and run, but instead he searched me out, apologized profusely and paid for the damages. A great experience.

Merry Christmas from the Kingdom Of Tonga, where it has been December 25 for 10.5 hours now. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Glen, check with a travel agent there. There is a RTW originating there that includes EK which is under US$900. I'll see if I can get to my Galileo to post it for you.

Okay here it is! I got this out of Galileo, but note that I can't say for sure if the fare is still valid because it has not been updated for a while. It still refers to Ansett.

Code:

TBU-TBU TUE-24DEC02 EK                  

               TAXES/FEES NOT INCLUDED  

ROUND THE WORLD FARES                   

     CX    FARE   FARE     C  AP  MIN/  

           TOP    BASIS             MAX 

  1X EK  1891.00R BRW403F  B EQU USD854.00           

                                        

  2X EK  4062.00R FRW403F  F EQU USD1834.00           

                                        

  3X EK  5805.00R JRW403F  J EQU USD2621.00           



 1 TBUTBU TU-24DEC2 EK   TOP1891.00R BRW403F            

0. APPLICATION AND OTHER CONDITIONS                     

   RULE - 3875                                          

   WORLD NAVIGATOR RETURN FARE RULES EX PACIFIC ISLANDS 

    APPLICATION                                         

     CLASS OF SERVICE                                   

      THESE FARES APPLY FOR FIRST/BUSINESS/ECONOMY CLASS

      SERVICE.                                          

     TYPES OF TRANSPORTATION                            

      FARES GOVERNED BY THIS RULE CAN BE USED TO CREATE 

      CIRCLE-TRIP/OPEN-JAW/ROUND-THE-WORLD JOURNEYS.    

     THESE FARES ONLY APPLY IF PURCHASED BEFORE         

     DEPARTURE.

---                                               

TRAVEL MUST ORIGINATE AND TERMINATE IN THE COOK   

ISLANDS/FIJI/FRENCH POLYNESIA/NEW CALDONIA/TONGA  

AND SAMOA.                                        

---                                               

TRAVEL AT THIS FARE MUST COMMENCE AND TERMINATE IN

THE SAME COUNTRY.                                 

---                                               

UPGRADING BY SECTOR FROM ECONOMY TO BUSINESS OR   

BUSINESS TO FIRST CLASS IS NOT PERMITTED.         

---                                               

WHERE FIRST/BUSINESS CLASS IS NOT AVAILABLE THE   

PASSENGER WILL TRAVEL IN BUSINESS/ECONOMY CLASS   

WITHOUT COMPENSATION. NOTE - SOME CARRIERS DO NOT

OFFER FIRST/BUSINESS CLASS.                      

---                                              

WITHIN AFRICA BUSINESS CLASS PASSENGERS MAY BE   

ACCOMODATED IN FIRST CLASS ON KQ SUBJECT TO      

AVAILABILITY.                                    

---                                              

WITHIN NORTH AMERICA BUSINESS CLASS PASSENGERS   

MAY BE ACCOMMODATED IN FIRST CLASS ON NW FLIGHTS 

WHICH DO NOT HAVE A BUSINESS CLASS COMPARTMENT   

SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.                         

---                                              

AT ANY TIME BEFORE DEPARTURE PASSENGERS MAY  UPGRADE THE ENTIRE JOURNEY TO FIRST OR BUSINESS 

 CLASS UPON PAYMENT OF THE APPLICABLE DIFFERENCE.

OTHER CONDITIONS                                 

 PASSENGER EXPENSES NOT PERMITTED

4. FLIGHT APPLICATION               

   UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED       

                                    

   THE FARE COMPONENT MUST NOT BE ON

     ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING   

      NZ FLIGHTS 3000 THROUGH 4249  

      NZ FLIGHTS 4273 THROUGH 4274  

      NZ FLIGHTS 4300 THROUGH 9999. 

       NOTE -

ALL TRAVEL MUST BE VIA THE SERVICES OF EK/KL/   

BU/EW/HV/XT/KQ/NZ/NW/SA/SB/UK EXCEPT THAT       

NW FLIGHT NUMBERS 2000-2999/3800-3899/4000-4899/

 5040-5089 AND 5900-7999                        

KL FLIGHT NUMBERS 701-706---                    

SA FLIGHT NUMBERS 7000-7698/7703-7999           

SB FLIGHT NUMBERS 010-030                       

NZ FLIGHT NUMBERS 3000-4249 AND 4300-9999       

NZ FLIGHT NUMBERS 4274-4273                     

EK FLIGHT NUMBERS 6000-6999 AND 4350-4353       

CANNOT BE USED.                                 

1.TRAVEL BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND/NEW CALEDONIA AND  

 UK/EUROPE MAY BE VIA A DIFFERENT ROUTE OR THE  SAME GLOBAL INDICATOR IN EACH DIRECTION.        

2.INTERMEDIATE SURFACE SECTORS PERMITTED AT PSGRS

 EXPENSE.                                        

 NOTE-SURFACE SECTORS MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE    

 MILEAGE.                                        

3.WITHIN UK/EUROPE--4 SECTORS PERMITTED FREE OF  

 CHARGE.  ADDITIONAL SECTORS TO A MAXIMUM OF 4   

 ARE PERMITTED AT A CHARGE OF NZD 500 FOR        

 BUSINESS CLASS AND NZD 175 PER SECTOR FOR       

 ECONOMY CLASS.  THE CHARGE IS TO BE ADDED TO THE

 TOTAL FARE.                                     

4.ONLY ONE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE AND ONE       

 INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL IS PERMITTED TO/FROM THE  COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.                              

5.BACKTRACKING PERMITTED.                        

6.WITHIN AUSTRALIA ON ANSETT A MAXIMUM OF 2      

 SECTORS ARE PERMITTED.                          

7.TRAVEL IS PERMITTED TO/FROM POINTS IN CENTRAL/ 

 SOUTH AMERICA/MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN SUBJECT  

 TO SURFACE SECTOR PROVISIONS ABOVE.             

 IN ADDITION -                                   

1.TRAVEL ON NW SERVICES BETWEEN US AND CARIBBEAN/

 MEXICO POINTS IS PERMITTED AT THE RT CHARGE OF  

 USD 380 FOR BUSINESS AND USD 220 FOR ECONOMY OR 

 THE EQUIVELANT AMOUNT IN LOCAL CURRENCY AT THE  

 BSR.                                             COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.                              

5.BACKTRACKING PERMITTED.                        

6.WITHIN AUSTRALIA ON ANSETT A MAXIMUM OF 2      

 SECTORS ARE PERMITTED.                          

7.TRAVEL IS PERMITTED TO/FROM POINTS IN CENTRAL/ 

 SOUTH AMERICA/MEXICO AND THE CARIBBEAN SUBJECT  

 TO SURFACE SECTOR PROVISIONS ABOVE.             

 IN ADDITION -                                   

1.TRAVEL ON NW SERVICES BETWEEN US AND CARIBBEAN/

 MEXICO POINTS IS PERMITTED AT THE RT CHARGE OF  

 USD 380 FOR BUSINESS AND USD 220 FOR ECONOMY OR 

 THE EQUIVELANT AMOUNT IN LOCAL CURRENCY AT THE BSR.

       NOTE--WHEN USED ON AN OPEN JAW BASIS OR FOR OW    

       TRAVEL THE APPLICABLE 1/2 RT MAY BE USED. THESE   

       CHARGES ARE TO BE CHOWN ON TICKET AS P. THESE     

       SECTORS ARE ALSO TO BE COUNT IN THE TOTAL MILEAGE.

       ----                                              

       THE TOTAL JOURNEY MUST NOT EXCEED A MPM OF 29000  

       OR LESS THAN A MINIMUM OF 20000 MILES.            

5. ADVANCE RES/TICKETING                                 

   UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                            

                                                         

   NOTE -                                                

    RESERVATION CLASS                                    

    KL  ECONOMY CLASS          M                         

  BUSINESS CLASS         C  

UK  FIRST CLASS            Y

  BUSINESS CLASS         Y  

  ECONOMY CLASS          Q  

NZ  INTERNATIONAL           

  ECONOMY CLASS          V  

  BUSINESS CLASS         D  

  FIRST CLASS            A  

  DOMESTIC NEW ZEALAND      

  ECONOMY CLASS          V  

  BUSINESS CLASS         D  

NW  ECONOMY CLASS          Q

  EXCEPT WITHIN ASIA     V  

  AND OVER THE ATLANTIC  M    

  BUSINESS CLASS         C    

  FIRST CLASS            F    

AN  INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC

  ECONOMY CLASS          V    

  BUSINESS CLASS         D    

SA  ECONOMY CLASS          Q  

  EXCEPT REGIONAL AFRICA T    

  AND DOMESTIC           S    

  BUSINESS CLASS         C    

  EXCEPT DOMESTIC        J    

  FIRST CLASS            F    

SB  ECONOMY CLASS          K  

  BUSINESS CLASS         J  

EK  ECONOMY CLASS          B

  BUSINESS CLASS         J  

  FIRST CLASS            F  

KQ  ECONOMY CLASS          M

  BUSINESS CLASS         C  

  FIRST CLASS            F  

EW  FIRST CLASS            Y

  BUSINESS CLASS         Y  

  ECONOMY CLASS          Q  

BU  FIRST CLASS            C

  BUSINESS CLASS         C  

  ECONOMY CLASS          B  

    HV  FIRST CLASS            B                            

      BUSINESS CLASS         B                              

      ECONOMY CLASS          K                              

    XT  FIRST CLASS            Y                            

      BUSINESS CLASS         Y                              

      ECONOMY CLASS          M                              

7. MAXIMUM STAY                                             

   UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                               

                                                            

   RETURN TRAVEL FROM LAST STOPOVER MUST COMMENCE NO LATER  

   THAN 12 MONTHS AFTER DEPARTURE FROM FARE ORIGIN.         

8.STOPOVERS                                                

   UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED   NOTE - GENERAL RULE DOES NOT APPLY                                                 

                                                      

6 FREE STOPOVERS PERMITTED                            

   3 IN NORTH AMERICA                                 

   3 AT ANY OTHER POINT.                              

    NOTE -                                            

    THE TOTAL JOURNEY IS NOT TO EXCEED 29000 MILES    

    EXCEPT WHERE ADDITIONAL MILES ARE PURCHASED AS PER

    SURCHARGES PARAGRAPH. THESE CHARGES ARE TO BE     

    SHOWN ON TICKET AS -S-.                           

AND - UNLIMITED STOPOVERS PERMITTED AT USD 80.00 EACH.

     CHILD/INFANT DISCOUNTS APPLY.                    

    NOTE -

       THE TOTAL JOURNEY IS NOT TO EXCEED 29000 MILES    

       EXCEPT WHERE ADDITIONAL MILES ARE PURCHASED AS PER

       SURCHARGES PARAGRAPH. THESE CHARGES ARE TO BE     

       SHOWN ON TICKET AS -S-.                           

9. TRANSFERS                                             

   UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                            

                                                         

   NOTE -                                                

    INTERMEDIATE SURFACE SECTORS PERMITTED AT            

    PASSENGERS OWN EXPENSE.                              

    NOTE- SURFACE SECTORS MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE        

    MILEAGE.                                             

    ---     WITHIN AUSTRALIA ON AN - A MAXIMUM OF TWO /2/           

     SECTORS ARE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO MILEAGE.               

     ---                                                     

     ONLY ONE INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TO/        

     FROM THE COUNTRY OR ORIGIN PERMITTED.                   

10. PERMITTED COMBINATIONS                                   

    UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                               

    ADD-ONS NOT PERMITTED.                                   

    FARES MAY BE COMBINED ON A HALF ROUND TRIP BASIS WITH ANY

    FARE FOR ANY CARRIER IN ANY RULE AND TARIFF TO FORM ROUND

    TRIPS/CIRCLE TRIPS.                                      

    END-ON-END                                               

     END-ON-END COMBINATIONS PERMITTED WITH DOMESTIC FARES.  

VALIDATE ALL FARE COMPONENTS. FARES MUST BE ISSUED ON

SEPARATE TICKETS. TRAVEL MUST BE VIA THE POINT OF    

COMBINATION.                                         

END-ON-END NOTE -                                    

 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS FARE THE FOLLOWING         

 AIR PASSES ARE AVAILABLE -                          

 SA  -  AFRICAN EXPLORER                             

 NW  -  VISIT USA PASS                               

 KL  -  PASSPORT TO EUROPE                           

 BU  -  BRAATHENS VISIT NORWAY PASS                  

 ---

      /THEREFORE TICKETED SEPARATELY/ THEY ARE NOT        

      SUBJECT TO THE MPM OF 29000 MILES.                  

    OPEN JAWS                                             

     FARES MAY BE COMBINED ON A HALF ROUND TRIP BASIS WITH

     ANY FARE FOR ANY CARRIER IN ANY RULE AND TARIFF.     

     -TO FORM SINGLE OR DOUBLE OPEN JAWS.                 

     OPEN JAWS NOTE -                                     

      OPEN JAW AT ORIGIN PERMITTED BUT MUST BE WITHIN     

      THE ONE COUNTRY.                                    

15. SALES RESTRICTIONS                                    

    UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                            

                                                          

    TICKETS MUST BE ISSUED ON THE STOCK OF EK .           

NOTE -                                          

FOR SALES MADE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN THE

FARE MUST BE CALCULATED AT THE APPLICABLE BSR   

INTO THE CURRENCY OF THE COUNTRY OF PAYMENT. THE

RESULTANT FARE MUST NOT BE LESS THAN THE        

APPLICABLE FARE FROM THE COUNTRY OF SALE.       

---                                             

EXTENSION OF VALIDITY NOT PERMITTED FOR MEDICAL 

REASONS.                                        

---                                             

ADDITIONAL TICKET STOCK - ANSETT AUSTRALIA/KLM  

ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES/AIR CALIN/EMIRATES/        

KENYA AIRWAYS ONLY.                             

16. PENALTIES                                             

    UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED                            

                                                          

    CANCELLATIONS                                         

                                                          

     BEFORE DEPARTURE                                     

      CANCELLATIONS PERMITTED.                            

                                                          

     AFTER DEPARTURE                                      

      CHARGE 10 PERCENT FOR CANCEL/NO-SHOW/REFUND.        

        NOTE -                                            

        THE REFUND IF ANY WILL BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN  

        THE FARE PAID AND THE APPLICABLE FULL FARE FOR THE     JOURNEY FLOWN LESS CHARGE ABOVE.                

                                                    

CHANGES                                             

                                                    

 BEFORE DEPARTURE                                   

  CHANGES PERMITTED.                                

    NOTE -                                          

    CHANGES PERMITTED FOR REVALIDATION AT NO CHARGE.

    ---                                             

    VOLUNTARY REROUTING REQUIRING TICKET ISSUANCE-  

    - ONE CHANGE PERMITTED FREE OF CHARGE.          

    - ADDITIONAL PERMITTED AT A CHARGE OF USD 50.00 

     PER TRANSACTION.

   WAIVED FOR ILLNESS OR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY

   MEMBER.                                           

                                                     

AFTER DEPARTURE                                      

 CHANGES NOT PERMITTED.                              

 WAIVED FOR ILLNESS OR DEATH OF PASSENGER OR FAMILY  

  MEMBER.                                            

   NOTE -                                            

   ILLNESS/DEATH WAIVERS ALSO APPLY TO ACCOMPANYING PASSENGER.

I've left off the final sections about discounts for kids etc.

Very interesting trip report. Keep them coming. What are the lodging choices like in Tonga. You make it sound so good, I feel like I should go. I assume that your use of quotes around the word "hotel" means that the lodging choices are limited and spartan. How are they? I'm guessing the water is warm and the beaches are beautiful.

------------
ChicagoBound - formerly PremEx2000 (wrong year, wrong status!)

Well it is evening on Christmas Day here now in The Kingdom Of Tonga.

Christmas Eve we spent with a member of the Royal Family who went to military school in Duntroon Australia. As well as the manager of the International Dateline Hotel. Just started chatting to them by accident at the bar not having a clue who they were at that point. Darn good idea to hook up with them, as the local Tongans starting showering this guy with drinks.

Amazing. Waiter would bring over literally TEN beers, (for our table of 6) and/or a few bottles of white etc, and a smiling local would kind of wave and bow out of respect from a table somewhere. Needless to say it was well after midnight when we returned to Hotel and all of use were totally blotto at that point. WHAT a way to see in Christmas. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Waking up with verty fuzzy heads, we spent Christmas Day today at a classic little Robinson Crusoe type island called Fa Fa Island. You reach it via a boat journey from Nuka'alofa. 1000s of coconut palm trees and all the other tropical stuff. Azure blue warm water, enclosed in a reef, and white sands.

Tiny little bar there and a few bure type huts and that is it. You can walk around it in 20 minutes. We went snorkelling and I got very sunburnt from lazing in the hot sun. It really is the epitomy of a tropical island retreat paradise! No phones, faxes, newspapers, TV or email there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

The entire country is basically closed today as the "Sunday" rule applies, but even more so. No idea where we will eat dinner this evening as the few places that serve westerners look closed.

Hotel standards are VERY basic as tourism is really very minimal here. "Good" rooms are like a 1.5 star 'Motel 6' type deals in the USA. Largest Hotel, the International Date Line has about 80 rooms, but are building about 40 more now, allegedly '4 star'. Rooms here at the 'top' places run about $US30 a night as tourism is dead in December and all discount like crazy.

Yes I saw a travel agent offering Star RTW fares for about $T2000 in their window, which is less than $US1000. You would of course start off with Air NZ to Auckland.

Tomorrow we take the world's cheapest air ticket on Royal Tongan Airlines. We fly to the island of E'ua, and ticket price is $T30 or about $US14. That is a high season rip-off of course as usual price is $T19 or $US9! I might have found a place to do another "Baht Run" from if they ever join the Star Alliance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

----------------------------------------------------------

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 12-24-2002).]

Glen, I've sent it to your e-mail, refonted in Times New Roman. Dave

[This message has been edited by thefareguru (edited 12-24-2002).]

Quote:

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
... and ticket price is $T30 or about $US14. That is a high season rip-off of course as usual price is $T19 or $US9!</font>

and no miles!

How do you "move" on Tonga (e.g. Public transport)?

How do you you move on Tonga? 'Very slowly' is the answer. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Speed limit is 40K, or about 25 mph.

We walk most places as that is simplest.

------------------
~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com

Sounds like you are having great time on Tonga, Oz!

Happy Holidays to you & yours!

BYU's student newspaper just published an article about what Christmas in Tonga is like: http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/41332 based mainly on interviews with some of the Tongans that have moved to Utah. (Salt Lake City has a very large Tongan community.)