Tongan stores vs. Chinese Stores.
(Elsie found one of her many men in front of this Chinese store)
You know, I wanted to conduct this experiment and compare the level of service I get from a Tongan store vs. a Chinese store.
I am amazed at the Chinese stores - they are everywhere, even in the most remote villages, they stay up all night, they open first thing at midnight on Sunday night and they live in the cramped up space behind their stores.
However, they still give courteous prompt service. Well, except for this one Chinese man…when I said to him “Can I get a large water?” He said, “‘Ika’i! Lea Faka Tonga!” hahaha! He sounded like my grandfather.
(Anapesi and Melenaite Uata, in front of our favorite Chinese Store, one of many on Taufa’ahau Road)
As time went on, I abandoned my experiment when it became clear to me that, except for a few stores like my aunty Latai’s store in Veitongo, the Chinese excelled the Tongan stores consistently in prompt, friendly customer service and common courtesy.
Hopefully, someday, more Tongan storeowners will realize that good service means repeat customers which translates to more money for them.
August 1st, 2006 at 5:44 am
what is she pointing at? his kuikuinini? ‘eheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
August 1st, 2006 at 6:40 am
I think she’s pointing at the junk in his trunk….he’s packing it! Run Elsie, Run!
August 1st, 2006 at 11:13 pm
hey who’s dat w/trench-coat
August 2nd, 2006 at 10:44 pm
Do the Tongan people still SLAM your change on the counter? LOL…I laugh everytime I buy something there and when they give you your change, instead of putting it on your hand, they SLAM it on the counter…hell ya!!! And tell the guy with the trenchcoat he needs a longer one to cover the POKU on his legs…LMAO!!!!!
August 10th, 2006 at 5:56 am
Its so sad that you just had to go the dump to take a picture of these people…why? was it necessary…you pretend your humble, but your not. I feel you took these pictures because you look down at the people in Tonga, you know what some people are not so fortunate like the others.
August 11th, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Ofa ki Tonga, thank you for your OPINION and you are entitled to have them.
August 11th, 2006 at 7:02 pm
Dear Lisiate:
I still don’t understand why you would go to Tonga and take pictures of the garbage site. when there’s lots of places and sites out there for you to shoot. WHY What was your purpose of the garbage and the unfortunate people! I dont understand that one! How well do you love our little Island, I go there 2 and I think they need to improve on customer service. But when it comes down to garbage digging thats just a little bit too much. Please don’t do that again.
thank you
Ofa ki Tonga
August 20th, 2006 at 2:28 am
ofa ki tonga, how come you sound like islandgirl?
August 29th, 2006 at 7:01 pm
ofa ki tonga, thanks for standing up for our little island. Some people tend to forget that even though you are born here or raised here in America you are still Tongan. The Tongan blood is still inside of you no matter how palangi you try get. Do something good for your people instead of looking down on them, cause i promise you every Tongan here in U.S.A still have some kind of family back home. This is sooooooo maumau taimi!
September 1st, 2006 at 2:26 am
Hi Rich,
I appreciate your work of showing photos and explanations of Patangata. We should not be ashame of its existence. We should ask ourselves, “What are we going to do about for the betterment of Patangata?”
I am aware there is a foreign donor willing to assist movement of Patangata Residence to Popua?!!?!? This was initiated from the Head of The State so it is just a matter of $$ and actions from here on.
Keep head up and watch out for those who object our views!! ….heheee… At least you know my effort would not directed at YOU!!…. hahahaa
‘Ofa atu to all and you - Rich
September 6th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Taufakisione..
are you the guy we met at tau’olunga kompuiuta?
October 14th, 2006 at 4:07 am
No comments, we don’t need to be nasty about these and we need to watch our language at all time. I appreciate the effort to bring us these pictures and I will always forever remember my Island the “Friendly Island of Tonga”.
Thank you for you time………..
God Bless,
Love from the Northwest