Finally, I've made it to the other side of the equator, across the International Dateline, after a 12,000 mile journey from my "Romanian holiday" in the three plus years I spent there with the Peace Corps. Now, I will still be with the Peace Corps, in a different position, in a different life, here in the Kingdom of Tonga for the next year. This was my first look at the ocean here at Ha 'Atafu Beach on the west side of the main island, Tongatapu, and my first day out swimming in the paradise which at one time was a lost world to me...but not any more! I will spend time getting to know the people here, learning their language, working to assist teachers at a local college, and enjoying all I can of what these Friendly Islands have to offer. My best summer vacation? Why, yes! A whole year full of them!