Warmth and Samoan smiles give Aussies lasting impression

By Nefertiti Matatia 28 November 2017, 12:00AM

A one-day trip turned into a memorable experience in Samoa for Sam and Max Payne from Melbourne, Australia.

It did not have to take a whole week or even a month for the couple to realise how strong and passionate the people of Samoa are when it comes to their culture.

“This morning when we docked, there was a fabulous greeting from the locals, dancers and singers and music which was just a lovely way to wake up to from the long cruise. It was fantastic,” Sam, 67, said.

It was an eye opening experience for the couple. 

They enjoyed every part of the entertainment and they even stated that it was nothing compared to Pagopago.

“So we were in Pagopago yesterday (Monday). I think that this is better. Here is more interesting. It is bigger and there seems to be a lot happening in Samoa despite how small the country is,” she said.

The energy and the smiling faces of the Samoans impressed them and the way they were welcomed made it feel like they were at home.

“The performance that we saw this morning was very energetic, bright and happy. It was enthusiastic, exactly what we thought the island people would be. 

“The people are very welcoming and warm. Feels like coming home to our family and how they react when they see us.”

They have heard so many stories about the island of Samoa and this was the first time they witnessed the beauty of the island. 

“We just wanted to soak up the feeling. We heard about Samoa for a long time, from people who came here for a holiday. We just wanted to see the city, the people and what it feels like to be here,” Sam told Dear Tourist yesterday.

“It is so amazing how nice the people are here. They are very friendly and helpful. Everyone in the shops are lovely which is something new to us because back home in the city they are sometimes not nice,” Sam said.

The couple are on board the cruise ship that will be making its way to Fiji.

“It is just a holiday cruise. We never travelled to this part of the region and this is an easy way of doing it and we are travelling with some friends.”

“Our friends bought some gentlemen shirts that were made here in Samoa as a souvenir, which to us it is very important.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 28 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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