|
Christy and Trish O'Sullivan are from Dublin
and Limerick but they met in Zimbabwe, married in Ireland, have two
Kerry-born children, moved to Malawi, are now enjoying the relaxed
atmosphere in Tonga, but missing family and friends - the nearest known
Irish person is 1.5 hours flight away.
Where are you from?
 |
| Christy, Ben, Molly & Trish |
Trish is from Limerick, I'm from Dublin and the Kids Molly (3.5) & Ben (2) were born in Tralee
When did you leave, and why?
We first left Ireland in the eighties, to the UK
with the million or so others. In the 90's we went to work for APSO in
Zimbabwe. The lure of APSO was a bit of altruism mixed with adventure I
think. Thats were we met, Trish was teaching, I was a District
Engineer. Left Zimbabwe in 1997 to study back in Ireland, got married
and had the kids. Worked in Ireland until 2000 and got itchy feet
again. Took a leave of absence to do a job with a British NGO in
Malawi. This ended in June 2002... on to Tonga
What brought you to Tonga? What do you do there?
I am a Civil Engineer working on an EU funded
programme of Harbour and other Infrastructure. We were wrapping up in
Malawi and this job sort of just came up.....
What do you miss most about Ireland?
Family & Friends. Trish misses Shopping. Availability of goods. Where we live in Tonga is very isolated.
What do you like most about Tonga?
Beaches, scenery, activity stuff (diving, sailing
etc..), very friendly people, safety (in Africa security was a major
concern, here the risk is minimal).
How has the experience been for the kids? Is your family life much different than it would be at home?
 |
| Ben poses for the camera |
Very different. School is very basic, language & cultural
differences have made making friends a challenge. They miss family,
grandparents etc..., but they spend a lot of afternoons at the beach!
What's a typical night out like in Tonga?
Quiet meal and a few beers, theres always local dancing or 'event'
Are there any other Irish in Tonga?
Not on this island, there are two we have heard of
on the main island (hour & half flying) - and one of them is
leaving in January
What differences between Ireland and Tonga do you find most striking?
Weather, it is very hot & humid this time of year and availability of goods.
Does the Emigrant help you keep in touch with home?
Yes
A seasonal one: How is Christmas celebrated in Tonga?
Church, with lots of singing. Family 'picnics' (a
Tongan Picnic usually involves a roasted whole pig!). Generally a very
family oriented time.
|
