Ha'apai...revisited

As we near the end of our service we know there are certain places we still want and need to see. In July we crossed one of those off our list: to revisit the island group of Ha'apai, where we had our PST (preservice training) in October and November of 2010. We hoped to visit our host family and also see parts of Ha'apai as a tourist and enjoy the beautiful islands as we couldn't while in training.

We began by going to the island of Uoleva, and staying at Serenity Resort. Ahh! Totally peaceful and the beaches...well, every view was postcard perfect. 

There's a lot of beach, and no one for miles, but us.

On the porch.

Our fale, outside

and inside.

Our walk through the bush to the mounds.

After our walk to see the mounds.

Aren't these stunning? Orchids, maybe?

What's not to like with this picture?

Weaving demonstration.

Modeling his new hat.

Inside the Gathering Room. This is also where we ate.

Bonfire on the beach with a serenade.

The last few days we went back to the island where it all started, Foa. Our village, Faleloa is at the end of the island. Sandy Beach is the best! We stayed at Matafonua Resort in a fale on the ocean. The roar of the surf, snorkeling, beach walking, and we had plenty of R and R.

The fale outside...

and inside.

On the porch.

A fale and the ocean.

 We walked into Faleloa to see our host family, and did get to see some of them, though a few were away.

Visiting with host family members.

A beach-side picnic given by a former host family.

Visiting.

Lots of memories, and a realization that we had come a long way, not just in miles, and soon it all would be memories. Thanks, Ha'apai!