An Australian couple, Owen and Christine Twist, are delighted to be back in Fiji after years away. They were among the 2,000 passengers on a P&O Cruises Australia cruise 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. Reflecting on their time in Fiji, he noted, “We came for two years, but I like 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.”
The couple’s daughters, both nurses, also spent part of their childhood in Fiji, which made their return visit particularly meaningful due to their family’s strong connections to the country. They expressed gratitude for the lasting friendships formed during their years in Fiji.
During their visit, the couple purchased Fijian handicrafts from local woodcarver Jone Sito as souvenirs. The cruise ship is scheduled to head to Taveuni next before returning to Sydney.