An Australian couple, Owen Twist and his wife Christine, are thrilled to be back in Fiji. They were among the more than 2,000 passengers on the P&O Cruises Australia ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday.
The Twists lived in Fiji during 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,” remarked Mr. Twist. He noted that their initial two-year stay turned into nine years due to their affection for the local community. “Fiji has always held a special place in our hearts,” he added.
The couple’s daughters, both nurses, also spent part of their childhood in Fiji, making the visit particularly meaningful for the family. They expressed heartfelt appreciation for the lasting connections they formed during their time in the island nation.
During their visit, the couple purchased Fijian souvenirs, including handicrafts from local woodcarver Jone Sito. After Lautoka, the cruise ship will head to Taveuni before returning to Sydney.