Lasting memories of Samoa

By Anina Kazaz 16 June 2018, 12:00AM

The beauty and atmosphere of Samoa lasts a lifetime.

For Sue Pearson from Ohope Beach, New Zealand, her trip to Samoa with her husband is a memorable one. 

It is her first time to Samoa, but she has been to Fiji and Rarotonga for a few times. 

“We always wanted to come. I have been a teacher before I retired and we looked forward to coming but it is very expensive during school holidays. So we did not end up coming and now I am not working, we finally got time to come,” she said.

“It is just so green everywhere and very pretty. I see a lot of poverty and a lot of churches.”

“Just while driving from the airport to the resort, there are churches, primary schools, beautiful plants and flowers, but quite a lot of poverty,” Sue shared her first impressions with the Dear Tourist team.

Compared to Fiji for example, she sees some differences.

“In Fiji, on the main island, there are probably more businesses in town then here, more shops,” she said.

“The people are very friendly and nice in both Fiji and Samoa. The Samoans may seem to be a bit quieter than the Fijians,” she said.

She plans to visit places during her stay and learn more about the culture. 

They had a hired a rental car for the past three days to go out and see a bit more.

The couple is staying at the Taumeasina Island Resort.

“We have been around the island and stopped at various places and had a look around. For me, it is mostly to see how people live. We checked other resorts as well to see and I still think this is the nicest,” Sue said. 

“I see all these beautiful churches everywhere and I was wondering if it is necessary to have so many. When you see the poverty next to the rich churches I had to ask.” 

“I would see the money could be better spent on the poor villages you can see around.”

“I understand the value of the church and religion in this country, but I guess there are more than enough churches, from what I have seen.”

Looking around as a tourist, she shares: “The only thing that would be helpful for tourist is street signs because when you rent a car, it is not easy to find the way.” 

“The sign for the sliding rocks we missed it the first time, it is only visible from one side that could be improved.” 

They plan to return and visit the big island. 

“I will come back again and just to see the other island as well. 

I really enjoyed it and I am a bit sad to go home so soon. 

I could stay a few more days before it gets back to the cold weather home,” she said.

By Anina Kazaz 16 June 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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