Your experience of culture shock in Tonga

Hello Christine

I see not many people on this Tongan Expat-Blog. I recently had a vacation on Tonga and the outer Islands for a period of 2 months and will be returning to live on one of the outer Islands in a Tongan community with no other   ex-pats on this island. I will not say which Island because all the community has made me a part of their family.
My new home on the island is already built and I been asked to live there by the family. My new home has a beach and 1 acre of garden. The culture shock is that they do not care about money and share everything with  each other. Here you pick fresh fruit from trees and use coconuts for many things including cooking. The sea food is abundant and we share what we catch with everyone. On days when Tongan feasts occur the food of many different types is put on the Table about 50 different dishes. In Tonga you eat starter main course and pudding together on one plate. You try food from each dish and when you cannot eat any more everyone at the feast must take food away to eat later. This may include whole pigs if you want it. You must do this to show respect for the community.   I anyone requires further info just ask. Regards John

To John my husband and me will be moving to nu fall fa in about 3 to 4 weeks.he will be your Baker in a few Cowley overseeing the whole bakery. I will not know anyone so will join ex pats club hopefully.