An Australian couple, Owen and Christine Twist, have expressed their joy at returning to 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 working 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 initially planned to stay for two years but ended up living in Fiji for nine, stating, “I had to go home, but Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts.”
Their daughters, both nurses, spent part of their childhood in Fiji, making the family’s return visit particularly meaningful. The couple reminisced about the strong relationships they forged during their time in the country.
During their visit, they purchased Fijian handicrafts from woodcarver Jone Sito as souvenirs of their trip. The cruise ship will next head to Taveuni before making its way back to Sydney.