Benjamin from Sydney, Australia wants to make the most of his first time here in Samoa.

The 64-year-old was enjoying his time at the Teuila Festival in front of the government building, yesterday, when he sat down with the Samoa Observer to share his views about Samoa.

“My wife and I have been coming to watch this festival for the past few days, we are always excited to find out what the Teuila Festival has to show every day and night,” he said. 

“We got here last week and we were excited to watch the fire knife dance (siva ailao afi) at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale on Saturday night; it was the finals and that was my favourite part so far,” said Benjamin.

“We even met the Prime Minister there at the show and he’s really nice. He’s a very nice man.”

According to Benjamin, since they arrived, all he’s been keen on is exploring and finding out as much as he could about the place.

 “It’s a beautiful country and yesterday we used the whole day travelling,” he said. “We just took a taxi to take us around the whole day and the driver was really good, Charles is his name.”

Benjamin praised the quality of accommodation at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel in Apia.

“It’s a great feeling waking up in the morning, getting out of bed and travelling to see different places in Samoa. 

“So all we have been doing is travelling all day and then most of the time we just go to the hotel, change and then come here to the government building around 6 o’clock, and then we just stay here throughout the whole night and watch the show. We just love it.”

Benjamin went on to say that he admires the people of Samoa, as well as the food.

“I like the people; they are very helpful, accommodating and it makes me feel like I’m back home.

“I love the food and we enjoy the gardens with the nice flowers and everything else is green. We just love everything.

“We are planning to come back next year in December because we work with a lot of Samoan people and they told us they come here for Christmas so they said it’s better to come at Christmas time, and that’s why we’re joining them again at the end of the year.”

So what will he tell people who haven’t been to Samoa?

“You have to try out Samoa,” he said.

“When you’re in Samoa, you just feel the need to explore every place on the island no matter how little time you have. This is a destination worth coming to.”