After 21 years of wishing to visit Samoa, Raewyn and Warwick Allen finally made it a reality. 

The couple was only here for seven days and has left the country. It was heartbreaking for them. 

The mother of three shared that despite how much she misses her children, she did not want to return to their homeland – Taranaki, New Zealand.

It was a special trip because they celebrated their 10th year anniversary. 

People’s friendliness and the culture have been the highlight of their trip.      

 “In the culture I can feel the spirit, the love, the family and the happiness. Of course not every body is like that but what we have seen the people are just talking to everyone, they are smiling, and we just love it,” Raewyn said.

 “They told us so much about the different culture and the different ways of doing things.”

 “I think everybody is really hospital and friendly here. The service is so much better here than in New Zealand.” 

 “We have been at the market and of course they want to sell their stuff, but they have been friendly and answered all our questions. They are happy to be there and tell you about where to go and what to do,” she added.

It is their first time being away from their children in 12 years. 

She mentioned that the beginning was difficult, but it was absolutely worth it to come to the island.

“The fire dance and all it just blows me away,” she said. 

“It is amazing how talented everybody is. They play the guitar, dance or sing.”

They had the taro, umu and palusami, which they really enjoyed.

 “We drank just straight from the coconut that was cool, I loved that,” Allen said. 

 “Unfortunately it is already our last day here, I could have stayed here a couple more days.” 

 “It is our first time here and we are already planning our trip back.”

 “It is just the combination of a little of everything we want to see again.”