Special trip to the motherland

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 19 October 2017, 12:00AM

Kathryn Delaney and Leonia Sands are no strangers to the shores of Samoa.

And it’s not just because they have blood connection to the land, they genuinely love the place.

“My mother is from here and even though she has passed away I still come over because I’ve got families here,” said Ms. Delaney.

“However, this time we are here for a very special reason and that is because it’s my sister’s wedding.

“She wanted to come and get married here even though our mother passed away she still chose Samoa as a place to get married.

“This place is very special to us and she wants her fiancé to see where she is actually from.”

The wedding is tomorrow.

When Dear Tourist caught up with them, they were just having a relaxed day at the Samoa Cultural Village.

“I came here to the show two years ago and I went back and said to them that they need to come and have a look at this cultural tour,” said Ms. Delaney.

“Because even though our mother is Samoan, we didn’t see any of this traditional stuff.

“And every time we ask mum about something all she says is to just watch and that is how it has always been.

“We were never taught any of the Samoan stuff and so that is why we are here today to learn a little bit about our culture.”

Ms. Sands said she wanted to get married here because Samoa was such a special place for her and her siblings.

“I know mum is not here anymore but she would love the idea of me getting married here,” she said.

“And I wanted my husband to see where I’m from and learn about the culture.

“Today is all about learning and many of his family members are all so amazed at how rich our culture is and that is something that I am forever grateful for.

“Saturday is the big day and today we are just relaxing and taking the family out to learn about Samoa and the kind of people we are.

“I’m glad that my husband’s family is here so that they will learn as much as they can from this trip.

“They will also get to taste the traditional food.

“This is an unforgettable trip and it is a memory that will live forever in our hearts.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 19 October 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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