Guillaume Becot and Pauline Queroy are a long way from Paris in France.

But the friendly nature of Samoans and the way they embrace visitors like themselves have made them feel at home. 

For this year, the couple decided to visit Australia, New Zealand and one Pacific island. They chose Samoa.

 “We were in New Zealand for one month and we wanted to visit one of the Pacific Islands and we chose Samoa,” Guillaume said.

They have not regretted their decision.

“It has been really nice, we are having such a great time in Samoa. Great, food, beaches and fales,” Guillaume explained.

Since they arrived, the couple has tried an assortment of Samoan local food like banana with coconut cream, luau, taro, oka, breadfruit and pork buns.

“We like that the people here are very friendly and welcoming. We have travelled a lot and caught lifts. People are eager to help us whenever we ask. Even the families in the villages have been hospitable to us.”

Living like locals was one of their goals. That’s why they have taken the local bus to their destinations, stayed with families in the villages and tried Samoa’s street foods.

They first toured Savai’i and stayed at Regina Beach fales, Manase.

 They arrived back after a week and toured Upolu. They have stayed at Matareva, Vaiula, Lalomanu before spending their last night at Olivia’s Accommodation in Apia. 

Asked what they enjoyed the most about their visit in Samoa, they both agreed it was the strong roots locals have to the Samoan culture and traditions.

“We have seen a lot of the Samoan culture touring the island and it is really nice to see that the traditions are still strong in Samoa,” Guillaume said.

The couple is continuing their trip to Australia, before heading back to Paris.

“Samoa is really far away, and travelling is expensive but we hope to come visit again because we have enjoyed our stay,” Guillaume said.