Samoa is home away from home, says Carolyn McMonagle.

She is in Samoa with her husband, Rob McMonagle, daughter, granddaughter and niece. They are from Northshore, New Zealand. 

Carolyn’s father is Samoan that is why she always feels a special connection to the island.

“We arrived on Wednesday this week and the purpose of our visit to Samoa is to see relatives and a holiday. We intend on spending time both in Upolu and Savaii,” she said.

“I was overwhelmed with the new airport, it has improved. The one thing that I find unique about Samoa’s airport is that passengers are welcomed with a Samoan band playing Samoan songs, to me that says a lot about the cultural aspect imbedded within the country itself. You cannot find that anywhere else in the world.

“Samoa alone is identified through its culture, which is what makes them different and unique. There is only one Samoan culture in the entire world, and through its traditional dances, songs, and way of life that is what makes Samoa so exceptional,” said Rob.

Their trip to swim with turtles and waterfalls, Rob described was amazing because of the lush green landscape. 

Carolyn added she was impressed with how Samoans take care of their environment. 

“I was really impressed with Samoa when I went shopping and I received a plastic bag and on it, there was a slogan saying biodegradable plastic bag because New Zealand has not started that,” she said.

Carolyn added a problem that tourists face in Samoa is the lack of signs for directions, thus lead to so many tourists getting lost. 

“There are not enough brochures that provide information and guidelines for tourists on what they can do and experience in Samoa.” 

“Most tourists travel to relax, but some want to explore and make new memories and that is the use of brochures, to keep them informed of what to do and where to go.”

“Samoa only has one airplane and that is Samoa Airways but in it they don’t have any brochures for visitors to read and be informed. Additionally, with every year, there will be an increasing number of tourists to travel to Samoa and so that would require Samoa to have more than one plane,” Rob added.

The McMonagle family will be leaving Samoa after White Sunday next week.