It is not often that Samoa plays host to visitors from the French Pacific Islands territory New Caledonia.

Marion Dubreuil and Abdellah Bouazama are on their first visit to Samoa and have been exploring some of the country's tourist attractions on the island of Upolu in recent days. 

When the Samoa Observer met the duo, they were waiting at Mulifanu wharf in Apia for a ferry to head to Savai'i, after sightseeing on Upolu over the last four days.

They said they have been impressed with the Samoan way of life since they arrived.

“We like how people are very friendly and the way Samoa is and how people live is just so beautiful and so good to see. It’s so wonderful and very nice and awesome country and we love it so much.”

“Here in Upolu, we saw almost everything. We saw the giant clamps, the To Sua Trench and we saw some very little fishes. We will be on our way to Savai'i and no doubt be impressed as well.”

And seeing how Samoans connect with their churches and culture, Marion and Abdellah said they wanted to feel that experience so they attended a service at the Mulivai Catholic Church. 

“Going to church, we are not really used to it back at home but we saw that people here are very connected to their church and we loved and hoped to see more of that,” they said. 

Asked if there is anything in Samoa's tourism sector that needs to be addressed, the New Caledonia residents said the road condition was a challenge, but that did not change their view of Samoa and its beauty. 

They return to New Caledonia next Saturday but have vowed to return on their next holiday.