Samoan Village Life
There's been many changes brought to Samoa over the centuries…. but one thing remains - there are 362 villages… and each of them will extend you a warm welcome.
Here in Salamumu, the phrase 'eat like a pig' is taken literally. Man and beast share the feast.
I'm exploring the south-west coast of Upolu, Samoa's most populated island.
Missionaries had a big effect here. Most Samoans are devoutly religious. And a Sunday service here is truly an uplifting experience.
Here in the capital Apia, more modern traditions have become a daily way of life…the samoan police march through the main street every day to government house to raise the flag.
Down at Apia harbour, the fish markets operate daily.
Now, you might not realise it, but Samoa has its own special place in literary history.
I can think of a hundred good reasons to come to Samoa….but renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson needed only one… He came here to pen 'treasure island' and 'dr jekyll and mr hyde'.
The author settled here with his family in the 1890s. Stevenson's grand villa is a strange mix of local architecture and old world Scotland, with some fittings the locals found very strange indeed, including Samoa's first fireplace!
Fia fia night here in samoa…. and the most important feature is the preparation of the food.
An extraordinary amount of work goes into food preparation. And they don't just pop down to the supermarket, either...
These villagers spend the entire afternoon shelling coconuts, peeling taro roots, and wrapping food in breadfruit leaves. It's a labour of love…
Food is cooked on hot lava rocks, and covered with Palm leaves. Attending the fia fia ceremony here on samoa means wearing traditional dress.
The ceremony starts with a drink of ava… Ava is known as kava on other Pacific islands.
Then it's down to business… and I tell you, that long preparation and hard work was well worth it.
This is just too good. This is tuna and coconut and it's delicious.
After the feast - and while all that food settles - we're treated to some entertainment from the villagers of Salamumu.
But at some point, audience participation is expected. Time for my after-dinner mince… and if this is how they party in samoa I don't ever want to go home !
If you'd like to find out more about this wonderful destination… contact the Samoan Tourism Authority. Polynesian Airlines flies to Samoa a few times a week from various Australian capital cities.
We flew with Virgin Blue into Sydney to depart for Samoa. Check out all their sensational fares at virginblue.com.au or call 13 67 89.
I toured Upolu
Island in a Toyota Hiace 13 seater van. To check out the full
range of Toyota Commercial vehicles, log onto toyota.com.au
