A Sunday Morning in Nuku' Alofa, Tonga

Most Polynesians are Christian, and they generally are of the Protestant variety.  In Tonga there are "Sunday Laws" (similar to our past "Blue Laws" in SC), and it is illegal to do any business in the kingdom.  Sunday is a day for church and relaxation.  I visited several of those churches today, and the singing was beautiful.  The people were so friendly, and the kids really liked having their pictures taken in their Sunday clothing.

The Royal Palace is used only for ceremonial purposes by the King of Tonga and the government.

I reviewed the evacuation map, and everything in pink would be underwater in a tsunami ... there's very few places to escape to in such an event.  

The mom of these kids had them pose for me.  The little boy has a Spiderman book bag, too.

These boys were climbing the church wall to show off for the two cruise ships in town this morning.

Churches came in a variety of styles.

There's no business on a Sunday.  These guys are heading to church.

Here's another church that I visited.

Here's the interior of the church. 

Our dock was built and paid for by the Chinese.  They're expanding their influence in this area of the world.

Well, I've walked a total of 9 miles today (5 on the ship and 4 around town), and it's only noon.  Time for a shower!