An Australian couple, Owen and Christine Twist, are excited to be back in Fiji after several decades. They were among over 2,000 passengers on the P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday. The Twists lived in Fiji during the early 1970s while serving with 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,” Mr. Twist shared. He reminisced about their time in Fiji, saying, “We came for two years, but I liked the people so much that I stayed for nine. Then I had to go home, but Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts.”
Their daughters, both nurses, also spent part of their childhood in Fiji, which added to the significance of their visit. The couple expressed their appreciation for the lasting friendships they developed during their years in the country.
During their return trip, the couple purchased Fijian souvenirs, including handicrafts from woodcarver Jone Sito. After Lautoka, the cruise ship will continue to Taveuni before heading back to Sydney.