Samoa

Our arrival in Samoa began with a beautiful sunset seen from our veranda.  What a wonderful way to start the day.  George brought coffee and we drank as we gazed at the sun rising over the islands.  Two tugs guided the ship through the coral reef guarding the harbour.  A longboat arrived with dancers and singers to welcome us to Samoa.

 

After a good breakfast we met our tour to Tafa Tafa Beach and boarded a bus with a lei around our necks.  Guide Joel talked about the sights as we made our way around then over the mountains to the beach.  Waterfalls again were flowing through the green forest.  Beautiful.   I noted the open sided building that were vary frequent along the road, interspersed with small houses.  Joel told us that these were the typical home for the people.  Much more suitable for the hot and humid climate and that they were still used.  "modern" homes offered more privacy but the traditional was much more comfortable.  We saw them with furniture, curtains and beds all along the road side.

 

The beach was finally reached after about 90 minutes of driving over narrow roads.  Lovely black sand beach with Falafa's for us to use. (covered raised floor huts)  We walked the beach and sampled the local beer and fruit and waded into the warm waters for a swim.  After rinsing off with local fresh water we boarded the bus again for the short ride to a family land where we watched the food come out of the fire pit and coconuts husked.  All was there for us to eat.  I tried bread fruit which tasted like bland yams.  some butter and seasoning would have helped the taste.  We found cocoa tree and cinnamon tree and tasted the fruits.  Again a beautiful waterfall was in sight. Amazing to live in view of such beauty.

 

Back to the ship again Dale and I perused the small market set up.  I spent all my samoa talfa on native jewelry. George wonders how much I can need...need is not the question here at all of course!!  Nothing expensive, just native creations that I find interesting.  We sat on deck and heard the band play as we sip drinks and watch the ship sail from Samoa.  Dinner and a show then three sea days to enjoy.

 

Love to all...M