An Australian couple, Owen and Christine Twist, are delighted to be back in Fiji. They were among over 2,000 passengers aboard a P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday. The Twists lived in Fiji during the early 1970s while they served the Seventh-day Adventist 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,” Owen said. He originally arrived for a two-year stay but enjoyed the experience so much that he extended his time to nine years. “I had to go home, but Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts,” he added.
Their daughters, who are now nurses, spent part of their childhood in Fiji, adding to the family’s strong connections to the island. The couple cherished the relationships they formed during their years in Fiji and expressed gratitude for the memories they created.
During their visit, the couple purchased Fijian handicrafts from woodcarver Jone Sito as souvenirs. After its stop in Lautoka, the cruise ship is scheduled to continue to Taveuni before returning to Sydney.