Kelcey Chandler-Yates and Jim Yates present...

UnderSeaPhotoVideo.com

Niuatoputapu, Tonga

December 2003

Supply ship, Olovaha arrives from Vava'u every three months and
the entire island shows up!

December 10, 2003

We have now been here for almost a week and continue to be enchanted with this island of lovely people. Our friends on the boat Brianna told us a little about the island but we could not readily understand its culture nor its profound impact on our family. SIMPLICITY is the word that describes the life style. Thatched roofs, multicolor clothing and heartfelt people are at the core of our experience. After over 3 years of cruising the children now understand contentment--these people are content. --

When we arrived there had not been a supply ship in over three months. Hearing this we asked Sia, the person we were told to contact and say hello to for Cathy and Bob on Brianna, what she needed, that we had loads of supplies on the boat and would be glad to share. She answered simply, you decide, we need nothing but if you wish to bring something in to share you are welcome to do so.  Now this was different--we have been asked and probed and probed for trading and gifts for the past 2 years, not that we minded as that seems to be the game, but how refreshing to not be asked for anything and more so be told that they need nothing!--

Here outside the thatched roof huts children run out to greet you yelling "hello" or sometimes "good-bye" as these are the few words the smallest have learned in English. Here you see the larger family dwelling to the left and the smaller kitchen hut to your right. The kitchen hut has two rooms, one for the fire pit and the other for preparation and storage of breadfruit, taro, flour, sugar etc.

Simple lifestyles seem to lead to close family structure and smiles.

The kids and the village of Falahau, Niuatoputapu are definite hams!

A Wahoo caught off shore will feed several families.
Without refrigeration, villagers always share with others.

A traditional home

Jim pierced all these girls' ears and Kelcey gave them earrings!