Cow and his wild pig friend casually stroll down the road in Tonga

Tonga is a beautiful Kingdom made up of 169 islands in the South Pacific. To visit the island of Vavaèu is like taking a step back in time. They conduct much of their business in traditional ways with less influence from the modern world than we would find most countries. Farming is conducted in this manner all across the island. Cows are allowed to wander freely and they often graze along the side of the road and in fields. Pigs have been allowed to roam freely as well and there are wild pigs and domestic pigs. The domestic pigs are often completely free and some have bred with the wild pigs. The result is that ownership is a tricky concept and that even the pigs descended from domestic stock are living in a very wild manner.

This cow is out for a leisurely stroll along a very quiet country road. It is headed in the direction of a small group of cows that are grazing happily up ahead. Although the tourist with the camera finds it very charming and fascinating that a cow is out unsupervised like this, it gets even more interesting when his little friend, a wild pig comes out of the bushes to join him on his stroll. By the looks of it, this pig is about to be a mother. She walks calmly beside the cow and keeps an eye on the strange person on the road with a camera. When the cow stops to have a look at the man making the video, the pig takes a little detour into the shrubs and watches from safety. The cow lets out a bellow as he walks further, obviously deciding that the man with the camera isn't a threat. He walked right past, looking at the man curiously, before joining the other cows at the side of the road.

Tonga is full of interesting sights and creatures. This is where humpback whales come to mate and give birth, as the waters here are free of killer whales. The opportunity to see the whales close up, as well as the laid back and wholesome way of life makes Tonga a wonderful place to visit. Leaving the hustle and bustle behind, a week or two here will provide a very relaxing and memorable holiday.