An Australian couple, Owen Twist and his wife Christine, expressed their joy at returning to Fiji. They were among the over 2,000 passengers aboard the P&O Cruises Australia cruise ship that docked in Lautoka on Monday. The couple previously lived in Fiji in the early 1970s while serving the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Suva.
“It’s wonderful to be back in Fiji. We were hoping to meet some of the local friends we’ve connected with through social media,” Mr. Twist commented. He shared that they originally intended to stay for two years, but due to their fondness for the people, they extended their stay to nine years. He emphasized that Fiji holds a cherished place in their hearts.
Their daughters, now nurses, also spent part of their childhood in Fiji, making the family’s return visit especially meaningful. The couple reflected on the lasting relationships they formed during their time in the country.
During their visit, they took the opportunity to purchase Fijian handicrafts from local woodcarver Jone Sito as souvenirs. The cruise ship is scheduled to continue its journey to Taveuni before heading back to Sydney.