Day 63 13th March 2011

We arrived this morning in Samoa. This is an independent country and only a short distance to American Samoa where the people and customs are identical. However, the people of these islands are very proud of being independent. They had a general election last week and are just waiting for the result. Their parliament sits for 5 years and elects a head of state who also serves for 5 years. The country looked quite poor although the people were polite and friendly. They helped Chris in several places. The predominant colour is green with fruit trees growing almost everywhere you could see. The ocean is deep blue and the island has reefs covering most of the shore so that you can see the surf from most locations.

We decided to go a trip to see around the island in the afternoon. In the morning we visited the local market that had been set up for the ship’s visit.  It was similar to many other island markets but prices were lower. They sold the usual mix of clothing (e.g. sarongs and tropical shirts), carvings (e.g. bowls and ships) and jewellery (e.g. pearls). People were courteous so that you could shop without being pressured. As with almost everywhere in the pacific that we have been they welcomed you paying in American dollars.

The trip was very good. We rarely feel they are not. It took us to see the local vegetable, fruit and handicraft market. This was only partially open due to it being a Sunday. People here are expected to eat, drink and go to church today. Some villages fine you for not attending church. The market indicated that this is a poor country but again with relaxed kindly people. After the markets we went to see a church seminary built over a hundred years ago. It was a lovely building overlooking a wonderful green area. The final stop was the author Robert Louis Stevenson’s house. He lived here for the last five years of his life. The house has been preserved and it was an interesting visit. The final treat was a selection of local fruit to taste. This was an enjoyable day.

Our next stop is again another very remote place, Christmas Island.