Playing in Tonga

Vava'u Tonga is an island paradise. Not only is it great for learning experiences for us nurses, but it is simply beautiful. This photo taken from the main street of Neiafu is just one example of the every day scenic beauty abundant here.

We climbed up to the top of the highest peak of Vava'u to see some breathtaking views of the many islands of the Vava'u group of islands.

After our hot and sweaty hike, we cooled off in the harbor right by our hotel
We told the nurses we wanted to take a day off to do a fun island activity. They decided to go with us and planned a Tongan-style activity, which turned out to be more fun than we could ever think of. The nurse in black with the hat is Meleame. She is the chief midwife and acting chief nurse here on Vava'u, and has been largely responsible for our wonderful clinical experiences
We were hesitant at first with our boat transportation, provided by one of the nurse's father. It was great!! Our rooftop view of the islands boating through the calm Vava'u waters couldn't have been any better. As Meleame said, we had the Lord with us to keep us safe
The beach at the final island we came to was amazingly white, and the water crystal blue. We even walked across the shallow water to the smaller uninhabited islandHere is our Tongan picnic. We couldn't imagine so much food!! Chicken, papaya, sweet potato, baked fish, crab, watermelon, and a lot of Tongan food I don't even know the names of. It was SO GOOD!!And what Tongan feast is complete without a pig, roast in an umu. This pig was Meleame's, just another example of all she has given to make this the best possible picnic, and the best possible Nursing 400 experience in the world