Samoa can teach the world a few tricks

By Ilia L. Likou 31 May 2017, 12:00AM

Software Engineer Wong Maurice knows a lot about I.C.T.

But the 70-year-old also knows one can never stop learning.

Just like he picked new tips on how to cook food on an earth oven (umu) in Samoa yesterday.

The American who is in the country for a holiday got to experience the making of the Samoan umu thanks to the Samoa Tourism Authority’s show in front of the government building.

His eyes were wide open, he was observant and amazed at the creativity and skills used by the Samoans to prepare food.

And after tasking the smoking hot taro, luau and food from the umu, he was even more sold on Samoa.

 “It’s a dream come true for me and my wife to come and see the beautiful surroundings of Samoa,” he said.

“Samoa has a unique history and culture. It has beautiful surroundings and it is very peaceful.”

“It’s a beautiful place and I really love the weather.”

Prior to their trip to Samoa, Maurice said he studied and read up a lot about Samoa.

 “We were mainly interested in the culture and the people. And what we’ve seen since we’ve arrived is that they are very friendly.”

 “I’ve heard so much about Samoa and I’ve always wanted to come but it wasn’t possible until me and my wife finally had a chance at the beginning of this year.”

“When we visited Guam during the Pacific Arts Festival, we made the plan to come to Samoa. And here we are enjoying everything in your country as much as we can.”

From the moment they arrived, Maurice said they were made to feel welcomed.

He was full of praises for the traditional band at Faleolo International Airport.

“We like music, singing...and when we arrived at the airport we noticed that your own way of doing things are very unique.”

“The band at the airport look brilliant in their traditional lavalava, voices...and it’s something that we love to keep in our heart when we return home. We took heaps of photos to take as souvenirs back home.”

“The other thing that I’m most impressed with is that people are healthier and rich in their spiritual life, which seems to make them a lot happier than many other countries that I’ve come across.”

Maurice said he would recommend Samoa to other tourists.

“When we first hopped out of the plane at the airport, we saw that the surrounding is so green, the air is hot but it’s fresh. Of course we will tell others to come visit Samoa. This is the place to be.”

By Ilia L. Likou 31 May 2017, 12:00AM
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