Tongatapu Island

January 23 -- we are visiting the low coral limestone island of Tongatapu, the largest of the 169 Tonga Islands in the South Pacific. Tongatapu means "sacred garden" and was described by the explorer Captain James Cook as the "friendly island."  The kingdom of Tonga is a monarchy, ruled by King Tupou VI. It is the only Polynesian island that was never colonized by European countries.  Cars drive on the left side of the ride, like in Great Britain.

We walked around the capital city of Nuku'Alofa and saw the royal palace and royal cemetary. There are markets that sell fruits, vegetables and handicrafts.  Saw lots of carved wood animals and tikis, woven baskets and tapa pictures. Tapa is a cloth or paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree.

Tongans wearing traditional woven mats welcome us to the island of Tongatapu

A Tongan church

Vegetables for sale in the market

carved wooden tikis for sale in the market

The royal palace in Nuku'Alofa. Constructed of wood from New Zealand.