We’ve been hosting quite a few guests recently in our little yellow house. Our guests have been fun to host and generous in their understanding that I have an obsession with turning things off immediately at the powerpoint and that in staying with us, you are mandated to love our dog. Not prepared to gush over how cute Piko is? Don’t book your flight!
Having so many guests has got me thinking about playing tourist. I guess I (more often than not) consider myself a “local” now. Well, maybe as local as a “palangi” can get. Tourism in Tonga is not a huge industry. Honestly, I think most Tongans like it that way. This means that it’s easier for them to retain traditional aspects of their culture and the slower pace of life. Although tourism does bring in necessary dollars for the rather weak economy and a trip to Tonga is good for the soul.
Tourist here stick out like a sore thumb. Especially on cruise ship days. These don’t happen very often as Tonga is not the usual cruise ship destination and even when it does, the tourists are only in town for a day or so. But on those days it seems like there are more Australians than Tongans in Nuku’alofa. On those days, I feel really embarrassed to be a “palangi” and usually over do it in my Tongan dress to show everyone that I’m not from that boat.
Why?
Generalisation coming….
Because most of the time these tourists seem obnoxious and disrespectful. One example: the two australian guys I recently saw in a local cafe, who were both shirt less (that’s against the law, for starters) and loudly complaining about how bad the coffee is in town (that’s just rude).
So, if you’re planning on travelling and want to be mindful in your overseas adventures, here are a few things to consider:
- Be aware of local norms when shopping. In Tonga, you don’t barter. That is considered offensive. Sure, if you are at the market and buying several items from one seller, you might offer to buy three for five dollars off but for the most part, the price is set and it reflects the level of work that went into the item.
- Try to buy locally made. Even in Tonga, some souvenirs are “made in China” or mass-produced in a factory. I think it’s far more desirable to buy one lovely handcrafted item that reflects your time here, where money will stay in Tonga than cheap shirts that were made in a sweatshop.
- Ask before taking photos of people, unless you are taking photos of the scenery and people walk into the shot or if you are at a public event. This is just good manners.
- Do a little bit of research even if you are only going to be in the country for a few days. There is no excuse for laziness; a quick google search is better than nothing.
That way you won’t wear short shorts int Nuku’alofa and offend pretty much everyone on the street. That way you can at least say “hello” and “thank you” in Tongan when buying lunch and the waitress at Friends cafe will appreciate the gesture.
- Talk to local people and have a genuine curiosity. Try a basket weaving class or chat to the guy making the awesome wooden carvings. Go to a cultural event and try the food. Don’t travel overseas and spend all your time eating hamburgers. If you do this in Tonga you will miss out on great seafood dishes and umu.
- I touched on this before but dress conservatively. Tongan women usually cover their shoulders and at least down to their knees. Tongan men don’t walk around in sleeveless singlet shirts and board shorts. Yes, as a tourist you don’t have to dress the same but being a little more covered up, at least when you leave your resort or guesthouse, is a sign of respect. How hard is it to swop to a longer pair of shorts?
- Personally, I don’t give money or gifts to children who ask. Or adults for that matter. I buy locally and donate to ethically run NGOS.
- Take your rubbish with you. This is especially important in Tonga as being “environmentally aware” is yet to catch on with most of the general population. So set a good example and don’t throw your coke can on the ground. Pick it up and find the recycling bin.
- Think before you speak. Tongan people are proud of their history, their monarchy and their culture. If you see something you don’t like, ask yourself if shooting your mouth off is really going to help? If you are passionate about a particular issue find out if there is a way to support it when you get home.
