An Australian couple, Owen Twist and his wife Christine, are delighted to be back in Fiji. They were among over 2,000 passengers on the P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday. The Twists had previously lived in Fiji during the early 1970s while serving the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Suva.
“It feels so good to be back in Fiji. We were hoping to meet some of our local friends that we have contacted through social media,” Mr. Twist remarked. He noted that their initial two-year stay extended to nine years due to their fondness for the local people. “Then I had to go home, but Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts,” he added.
The couple’s daughters, who work as nurses, spent part of their childhood in Fiji, adding to the family’s emotional connection to the country. During their visit, the couple expressed their appreciation for the lasting friendships they forged during their time in Fiji.
They returned home with Fijian souvenirs, including handicrafts purchased from woodcarver Jone Sito. Following its stop in Lautoka, the cruise ship is scheduled to head to Taveuni before making its way back to Sydney.