Visit, relax, enjoy

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 July 2017, 12:00AM

Tourists have different perspectives when they come to Samoa. Some say it’s the hospitality that makes us unique.

But for 46 year old Jo Palmer of Auckland, New Zealand, she believes it’s the Samoa prints (mamanu) that make us unique.

A college art teacher by profession, Ms. Palmer is in the country with a friend for the first time to relax.

“We arrived on Sunday and we’ll be going back this coming Friday,” she said.

“This is my first time here and it’s amazing.  

“The first thing we noticed is the people. They are lovely and very friendly and that’s difference from home. It’s only when you know someone that you get to say hello to but here, the people say hello and “Talofa” and that makes us feel welcome.”

As to how she came to know about Samoa, Ms. Palmer said it was through her husband.

“He came over last year to film a programme called “Kiwi Living” in Savaii and when he came back, he told me all these wonderful things that made me want to come over,” she said.

“So this year he finally asked me if I wanted to come to Samoa for a holiday and straight away I said yes.

“It’s a pity that my husband and children are not here but I will make the most of it anyway.”

With her background in art, it’s perhaps not surprising that Jo insists that the prints are her top pick although she is also enjoying the warmer weather.

 “I’m an art teacher and when I saw the prints here, they immediately caught my attention because they are very creative.

“I want to take some back with me so I can show my students and I hope the people here have like stencils so I can buy them.

“I love the weather because at the moment its freezing back home. I will definitely be buying a fan for myself while I’m here because it’s hot, but it’s good.”

Ms. Palmer went on to say that she will definitely recommend Samoa to her friends and families.

“The next time I will be bringing my children and husband and it will be longer than this trip,” she said.

“I love everything about Samoa and I think the world should also know that there is a place that you can come and relax and enjoy.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 06 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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