Sunday was our day to tour the island a bit.
We started by heading directly south, towards Fua’matu, then turned right and headed north-west. The road started off quite decently, with houses on either side.
Eventually the houses thinned out and the road became rough and overgrown. I do remember us slowing down once or twice near the western end to navigate some large potholes.
The road slowly turned north and we drove towards Ha’atfu. I can’t remember what we saw there but I do remember it being quite lovely. I think I remember seeing a church under a few shady trees. It being a Sunday it was quite full of worshippers.
We went south and then drove east along Hihifo Road, towards Nuku’alofa, which was the capital. We passed by some administration buildings like the treasury, and I think we even went pass the royal palace. We then drove along the road that ran by the beach that ended at the river feeding the lagoon. I remember a village being there, and we only stayed a few minutes. We turned back and drove south through Nuku’alofa towards Ha’ateiho. The city felt quite urban, with houses and streets most of the way. We went around the south side of the lagoon and took the road back north, passing through Mu’a, Navutoka and up towards Afa.
From there we went right and headed back south towards the hotel. As difficult as the road was earlier, this was much more so. The road was barely sealed and the vegetation overgrown that it was difficult to travel very fast. We were tired, and I noticed my boss, who was driving at the time, nodding off for a split second a couple of times at the wheel. I can’t remember if I offered to drive the rest of the way. I certainly hope I did.
Dinner was at the hotel since there wasn’t much else around. Despite being the only guests the kitchen was in full service, and they offered a seafood dish that was actually quite impressive. My boss ordered it and it came out with a lit-up flame of sorts: I think it was meant to be super-spicy or something. He enjoyed it but I think it did upset his stomach somewhat the next day. My dish was pretty boring, like pasta or something.