All the activities happen on Saturday. Tonga observed Sabbath fairly strictly in Sunday. Everything is closed. You do not go out to the beach even. Sundays are to stay home with family.

I think that is the 38th country I have put in a 5K run in.

Made friends with these two gentlemen – Anibal and Egil – at the dinner table at the culture fest. Both are visiting from Norway. Coincidentally, found out that Anibal hails from Chorillos district in Lima. We had gone to that place in 2009 to pay a visit to Nikita and Natasha’s nanny from Dallas days!! (She has moved back to her family there)

Like in Fiji and Samoa, I went to check out the cultural program in Tonga (in Kate resort to be precise). This was not as impressive or authentic as the one in Fiji, but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable one.

This was the local males dancing their traditional dance

Like in every other country, my driver and guide has become my new friend.During the whole trip, Kelesi regaled me with his stories of his family. He has a great sense of humor too!

“Did you study in Uni?” I asked him.

“No”

“How far did you study?”

“Well, I am not good in studying.”

And then for good measure, he added “But I am very good at watching movies though!”

If history is any indicator, I know we will talk on his birthday every year and I certainly hope to come back and meet him again some day.