An Australian couple, Owen and Christine Twist, are delighted to return to Fiji after several decades. They were among the over 2,000 passengers aboard the P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday.
The Twists lived in Fiji in the early 1970s while working with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Suva. Mr. Twist expressed their joy at being back, stating, “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.” Originally planning to stay for two years, Mr. Twist ended up living in Fiji for nine years, noting that the country has always had a special place in their hearts.
Their daughters, now nurses, spent a portion of their childhood in Fiji, which adds to the family’s strong ties to the islands and made this visit particularly special. The couple expressed gratitude for the lasting relationships they formed during their time in Fiji.
During their visit, the Twists purchased Fijian souvenirs, including handicrafts from local woodcarver Jone Sito. The cruise ship is scheduled to stop at Taveuni next before heading back to Sydney.