An Australian couple, Owen Twist and his wife Christine, are thrilled to be back in Fiji after many years. They were among the more than 2,000 passengers aboard a P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday.
Having lived in Fiji during the early 1970s while serving with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Suva, Mr. Twist expressed his joy at returning. “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,” he stated.
Originally planning to stay for two years, Mr. Twist found the Fijian people so welcoming that he extended his stay to nine years. “Then I had to go home, but Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts,” he said.
Their daughters, now nurses, also spent part of their childhood in Fiji, which made this return visit particularly special for the family. The couple reflected on the lasting relationships they formed during their time in Fiji.
To commemorate their visit, they purchased Fijian souvenirs, including handicrafts from woodcarver Jone Sito. The cruise ship will continue its journey to Taveuni before heading back to Sydney.