01/09/2019 - Tongatapu / Tonga

The King has decreed absolute rest for his subjects every Sunday. It is rare to find a country where citizens are obligated by the state to do nothing once a week. But it is still true here. On Sundays, the towns are deserted. No shops are open, no boats sail, no planes fly. All forms of work are forbidden, even swimming is prohibited as it is considered physical exercise. Only driving to church is tolerated. The first church bells start ringing at half past four in the morning. Throughout the day, almost all locals go to church, spend the day in worship, and then have a big family meal.

Today, we embraced this tradition and made it a Sunday. ...