An Australian couple, Owen Twist and his wife Christine, are thrilled to be back in Fiji. They were among the over 2,000 passengers aboard the P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday. The couple previously lived in Fiji in the early 1970s while serving 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 had initially come to Fiji for a two-year stay but loved the culture and people so much that he extended his visit to nine years. “Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts,” he added.
The couple’s daughters, who are now nurses, spent a portion of their childhood in Fiji, further deepening the family’s connection to the island nation. Their return was marked by gratitude for the lasting relationships they formed during their time in Fiji.
During their visit, the couple purchased Fijian handicrafts from woodcarver Jone Sito, bringing home souvenirs from their trip. The cruise ship is scheduled to continue to Taveuni before making its way back to Sydney.