I haven’t posted in ages and I’m berating myself for this, although we did sneak off to Foiata island which is in Tonga for a week. A truly wonderful place – remote and tropical, somewhere to kick back and relax, soak up those rays (with suntan lotion slathered on of course), snorkel, swim with the whales and enjoy 3 meals a day of super tasty tucker. And yes I came home weighing more.
I’m a sucker for the internet (think blogging). So I was like a bear with a sore head when I realised that internet access was only available when the computer was tethered to the phone and then it was intermittent. But the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’, was that it was only possible to charge appliances from 6 – 11pm. No problem really, except that we had only one cable for each appliance, so as you can imagine, squabbling ensued. I won’t talk about the hair dryer …
Doing it hard
Island dogs
But we got by. I read a book, contemplated life, ate too much and snorkelled (not at the same time mind you), which I really enjoy. I’m a bit of a wuss though, I’m not keen on sea snakes, reef sharks or anything that appears without warning, and I have been known to literally ‘walk on water’ to avoid them.
Island view
Tonga as it happens, is renown for humpback whales which journey from the Antartica to enjoy the warm environ, mate and give birth before heading back to the chill, ready to do it all over again. Isn’t nature wonderful?
Humpback breaching
Whale watching boats can be seen dotted amongst the islands and out to sea, with keen folk joining a guide to swim with these magnificent mammals – but only in groups of 4. So imagine me being particularly brave and tossing myself off the back of the boat into the ocean with the bottom no where to be seen. The world is so different looking through a mask whilst trying to steady the breathing and maintain some semblance of calm (LOL). Then I saw it … a hump back whale swimming directly below me. I held my breath.
He refused to come out …
Hubby who is a natural in the water was in and out like a yoyo (yes I am envious). He was the taker of photos and videos and while a novice with the new GoPro I have been promised images … hmmm
My sort of boat
Goodnight
So, we had a lovely break, met some wonderful people, enjoyed laughs and many stories from people who travel great distances to swim with these spectacular gentle giants of the sea.
Shell vase
Puppy magic
Thank you so much to Tapa, Otto, Uli, Jess, Mata and the girls ..
Even in paradise, there are mishaps
Watch out for my next post .. my garden is growing!
Oooo….how beautiful, a tropical paradise! It looks like you found a wonderful beach side hide-away, hidden from the crowds. And what a treat to see the humpback whales too. I’m wondering if the island dogs have people families, or do they roam free? Thank you for sharing this beautiful part of the world with us today. 🙂
We did find the most amazing hide-away. What a spoil it was. It felt so strange travelling back to the mainland .. Oh yes, those dogs have a family and are much loved by the guests. Glad you enjoyed your visit 😀
That looks so Idyllic Miss Kiwi: and diving with whales- what a wonderful thing. Great photos.
Oh thank you Miss F. It sure was idyllic … Diving with the whale was an experience. Thanks for popping in 😀
Hi Julie and Andrew
Julie great photos as usual it looks just the sort of hideaway you both needed. Good to hear you are back in the water again(no sharks!). It reminds me of Samoa hen I went with Andrew remote and idilic far from the maddening crowds. Once again great shots LOL
Bill.
It was just what we needed Mr Bonner! Yes loved being in the water – had my eye out for large fish though 😉 I did see a sea snake but I was in the canoe .. thankfully. Yes much like Samoa .. wonderful people and no maddening crowds. Perfect! 😀 Hugs
So wonderful pics, Julie! You had wonderful days there and I’m looking forward to hear something new from your garden!
Oh thank you .. we did have a great relaxing time. More garden news on the way! 🙂
Lucky you!
I know 😀
Oh my, too majestic for words…what beautiful images! I cannot imagine that feeling when you saw the great humpback below you. I saw a few off of Cape Cod once and wanted to topple overboard but a biologist was glaring at me as if reading my mind…I decided not to rock the boat with any antics. It was difficult. They were absolutely phenomenal and kept waving to me, as if beckoning…
Beautiful photos and dazzling words. I now avidly wish to visit this wonderful paradise someday. Beautiful post and looking forward to a new one featuring your growing garden.
P.S. The dogs were too cute!
All the best, with jubilant cheers,
AJ
Oh and jubilant cheers back at you too AJ. It was such a special place … and seeing those whales was so very special. They are magnificient. I laughed when I read about your escapades on the boat .. They do beckon. And I was lucky to swim with them even if for only a very short time. (I can’t hold my breath for too long 🙂 ) Thank you so much for your wonderful comment .. always great to know that you have dropped by.
Julie , it took me a moment to put Frog Pond with you…. Then it clicked. Great shots. I have forwarded to my daughter Jo. Keep Clicking ! Richard
Sent from my iPhone
Hello Richard … so nice to know that you have seen the post and thank you so much for commenting. I sure will keep on ‘clicking’ 😀
What a lovely way to chill out…!
Thank you .. it sure was! Loving time out ..
Lovely photos. It looks like a magical place to be, unless you’re on that sinking boat. That last photo really redefines the colour blue for me.
It’s good to get disconnected every now and then. An old fashioned dial-up internet connection sounds so primitive now. 🙂 You didn’t have a double adaptor for the electricity?
Hey Mr Draco .. it sure was a magical place. We were on that very same boat with the whales the day before. And yes the colour of the lagoon was amazing .. Ha I have decided that from now on I shall take a power pack with me and cables for each of our applicances! LOL ..
Amazing whale photo! Actually, they are all terrific – I’m envious (in the best possible way). The “walking on water” comment made me laugh out loud – I can relate. Looks like the perfect get-away to me, in spite of the sketchy Internet. Or maybe because of it?? Ummmmm …Nah! 😉
thanks Janet! Glad you enjoyed the pics. Oh believe me I can exit the water in a screaming hurry when I get scared. Awful! I felt bad grumbling about the internet, but it was ok actually. You’re funny … ummm … nah! 😀
😀 I’m so glad you had such a fun trip!
What a fascinating trip and so glad you shared the adventure with us. The pictures truly tell the story! Glad you’re back posting.
Rita
You are so welcome .. it was a magic trip and such an experience. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the adventure. Pics sure do tell a story don’t they?
It looks wonderful. You have captured some great sea photos. Love the sparkles on the fourth photo, but they are all good.
Thank you! I love those sparkles too .. glad you enjoyed Annette
Glad you enjoyed your break, the water and most of the other species. Unplugged is good; yeah for books.
We sure did enjoy the break … and the various water species! 😉 I know, unplugged is really good and so is reading! LOL
What a wonderful time Julie and beautiful photos. We had a “.to” domain from Tonga for many years because “ARC” is such a common acronym for businesses. We had to finally give it up because some of our federal government clients thought the .to was a security risk.
Hey Tim .. that’s interesting about the .to domain. Have you ever made it over there? You and your camera would be right at home. I’m glad you enjoyed the pics. We sure did have a wonderful time …
Never been there. Need to visit your area someday.
Sounds like a lovely getaway! Fantastic photos, could almost feel the warmth of the sunset. Take care. Bob
Hello Bob! It was such a mild climate – perfect getaway. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the pics. And I always enjoy your visits Mr E. Take care … Julie
I’ve done that “walk on water” trick too Jules!!! Looks like a much more restful vacay than the one we just had in Vietnam!!
We should have a walk on water competition. Lol .. Busting to hear about the Vietnam sojourn ..
Oh Julie, what a fab trip! I’m a little envious because I love to swim with sharks and snorkel…wow, what a place, have to google it right away! Well deserved, it’s nice to get away and see something else, not being reminded of all the things that need doing in the garden. Glad you enjoyed it – thanks for sharing these beautiful images 🙂
You are so welcome Annette! Gosh do you like snorkelling with sharks? Wow .. Oh do check it out online, a really fabulous place. So pleased you liked the pics 😃
Wow Julie, that looks like paradise! Internet and gardening can wait for something like that 🙂
Hey Dan .. A forced break! And fabulous 😀
What a beautiful photos series again…seems to me like paradise! I’d love to stay there watching the evening sun sparkled on the water….
Your pictures make me dream.
Oh thank you Josephine .. A lovely comment
OH! I would probably RUN on water if I saw one of those. What a beautiful place…I would love to relax there…heck, Terry and I need to relax SOME where!!! But not for a spell yet!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Hey Linda .. Lol! Nothing like water sports. You sure do deserve a vacation 😊
Soon..hopefully.
What a wonderful break in all that beautiful blue for you and hubby. Such fantastic photos! A lovely set of memories to treasure. It all looks lovely but I really really loved the boat <3 and being with the whales sounds like a wonderful experience (in place of the internet fix!!!!! not bad whooo!). Truly gorgeous post Julie!xxxx
Thanks Gill .. It was a wonderful experience .. Gorgeous days and nights. No net has to be good doesn’t it 😉
Beautiful, Julie! Glad to hear you had a relaxing and interesting holiday!
Thanks Benjamin …glad you enjoyed
loved this place 🙂
Hey Joshi .. So did we! So good for a relax 😄
Looks like you had a wonderful time, Julie! The photographs are fantastic!! I really love the second one from top 🙂
We sure did .. So pleased you liked the pics Uday. 😀
Ohhhhhhhh, Julie!!! LUCKY you! How I drank in all that blue and that sand wishing really wishing I could do something like that. And the pictures are glorious!!! Imagine a hump back whale UNDER you? WOW!!! *sighs* I must put this place on my bucket list. Looks like Paradise and oh how I could use some. And internet? Not by a long shot not on my vacation!!! As for gaining weight … so what? *she says with jeans barely buttoned* LOL (((HUGS))) Amy <3
You are gorgeous .. Lol .. No net vacation, a superb idea. My jeans are still firm 😃 see you soon Amy ..
I had to look on a map to remind myself where Tonga is in the Pacific. At
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha'amonga_'a_Maui
I learned about a stone monument called Ha’amonga ‘a Maui.
Hey Steve … good on you for taking the time to check it out. Now I will have to Google that monument. Nice to see you at my place 😀
Tonga looks amazing……you are giving me itchy travel feet young Lady!
Love that ‘itchy’ feet … good! You aren’t posting much anymore Sarhn .. I miss your banter. Mind you, I’m posting every 2 weeks now. Due for one more today 😀
Hi lovely, sometimes life gets in the way of what you want to do i.e. blogging. I miss being more regular with my blog posts too. It is nice to know my ‘banter’ is missed. Won’t be long before ‘the life’ that is getting in the way, will be finished and I will be more present in blogsphere. Hope you are well Lovely. x
This looks and sounds like the epitome of island escapes. What a magical way to drop off the grid.
It sure was a great experience .. A very special holiday 😀
Gorgeous! What a great break you had, you got to see whales and swim with whales, too. Brilliant.
It sure was a fantastic break .. lucky aren’t I? 😀
Super lucky. 🙂
😄
How lovely Julie. You can feel the warm radiating from those pictures. I can hardly wait for summer.
Cheers Sarah : o )
Hey Sarah .. I’m with you! 😀 Thanks for stopping by …
Sounds and looks like a terrible place to be… NOT! 🙂
Ha ha … I like that. NOT!
It sounds like you had a fun time, Julie 🙂 Your photos look incredible as always, looking forward to seeing more photos of your garden later
Hey Jess … we did have a great time. Glad you like the photos. Garden pics coming! 😀
Oh, you had a great time! Magical 😃
Thanks for sharing xx
Hey Miss … nice to see you here. We had a ball! 😀