Culture and the people stand out for visitor

By Anina Kazaz 23 March 2018, 12:00AM

Meet Kerrilyn Boakes, from Christchurch, New Zealand. 

She finds Samoa’s white sandy beaches beautiful and attractive. She adds that Samoa was a good choice for her because it is surrounded by beautiful beaches. 

Despite leaving close to the sea at home, it is nothing compared to Samoa. 

“The water is amazing, especially the temperature because back home it is way cooler. Just to be here, relax and enjoy the temperature of the sea, is perfect. This is one thing I love about this Pacific Island, just beautiful,” she said with Dear Tourist.

In Christchurch, the temperature is between 16 and 18 degrees.

But for her, Samoa is not only defined by the temperature of the sea but the people. 

“The people around here are absolutely lovely and friendly. Even people walking along the road just look at you and smile. They definitely give Samoa the friendly culture.” 

Kerrilyn and her partner found the perfect getaway place in Samoa. 

“We did not do a lot, we ran out of time,” she said laughing. 

“Just for relaxing, I found it really lovely here. It is a wonderful place to come for a week. It is not like you can go and do shopping for example. I did not even expect to do a lot, but it is vacation you don’t need to. We did snorkeling and had massages, it is beautiful.”

It is the first time for both of them in Samoa. Kerrilyn shared she has been in Fiji.

“In Fiji it is more commercialised. There are more resorts then Samoa,” she explained.

“Here it is less touristy and I like that about Samoa,” she said.

According to her, when they visited the Tosua Ocean Trench, some people showed them the wrong way. They took money of them and hid.

“That was disappointing,” she said. “ “I do understand they need the money. And this is one way to get it. I just did not expect Samoa to be quite like that. I mean the holiday is still a great experience; it is just this one thing. Unfortunately it happens in almost every country.”

Kerrilyn described the villages as very interesting, especially the open houses, which she says highlights the poverty level.

She said this also exists in Fiji.

“Yes I have seen the poverty in Fiji as well. You see that on the drive from the airport to the resort. But the difference is in Fiji there are a lot more rubbish than here.” They arrived last week Friday. 

 “We are having a really nice time. It is just a beautiful place to come. It’s a nice and warm place. Everyone here has just been fabulous,” she said.

“I absolutely will promote Samoa at home and will tell friends about it.”

Kerrilyn is sure to return for a trip to Savaii.

“Now we will go home with definitely a good report of Samoa. We’ve had a lovely time.”

By Anina Kazaz 23 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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