[password] TwinkY6433
[position] 21 08.016S 175 11.034W
[weather] SE 12 knots, raining ... again!
[speed] Anchored just off Big Mamas, Pangaimota Island, Tongatapu, Tonga
[heading]
[status] Took the boat over to Nuku?alofa yesterday to go to town and have a look around - the bright lights of the big city had lured us in! We went through a couple of markets. One was aimed more at the locals and was selling everything from hot food, to clothes, shampoo, washing machines and car tools. We went further into town and found another market with fresh fruit and veggies, and touristy items. Bought same sad looking carrots and small tomatoes, some drinking coconuts, and a couple of trinkets for the boat. Had a good look around, saw the royal palace, and all the flash well built buildings which were either embassy?s, or buildings built by Asian countries in partnership with Tonga. Getting a foothold in the pacific I guess, much like the Americans did decades ago. Since it?s Saturday there was lots of people around and lots of the same sorts of things you see the world over - kids trying to look cool in their cars with stereos pumping and hats on backwards with large American basketball singlets, LOL. Headed back to Big Mamas for the evening, and another small high-20 knot blow last time, but everyone was ok for this one. Have woken to overcast skies and more rain. It has rained more since we got here (and the previous 3-4 days) than it did all of last season. We?re hoping it?s gonna stop soon. We only have until the 14th here before we leave for the Ha?apai Group and want to check out some snorkel spots before we go. Today looks like a reading book day while watching the rain from the enclosed cockpit.

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