Points to Ponder: The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.- Christopher McCandless
Story Line: Every person we had talked to in American Samoa had mentioned that our next destination, an independent country Samoa, was extremely beautiful. So we were looking forward to the next eight days in there.
Before printing boarding passes at Pago Pago international airport, the airline guy said “Get on the (weighing) scale”. I thought he wanted to measure my hand-carry so I put it there. The guys said “You too.” Surprised but being aware not to argue with airport personnel in these times, I quickly got on the weighing scale. He explained that they needed that information for sitting arrangements to balance the small plane. I found out later that passengers could be offloaded based on overweight.
While the plane was landing it was becoming clear that what we had heard about Samoa was going to be true. Colorful clear skies, blue and green ocean waters were already welcoming us. The sunset on the first day in Upolu was just magnificent. The stage was set for the wonderful memorable eight days that were to follow. It reminded me of a poetry I love since my childhood.
Ishq Kehta Hai Aalam sey Juda Ho Jao (Love/Passion says Separate yourself from this world)
Husn Kehta Hai Jaha Jao Waha Naya Aalam Hai (Beauty says wherever you go there is a new world.)
On the second day while we were travelling on the hilltop, I noticed a good photo opportunity of a house with ocean in the background. I asked Jared, our tour guide, to stop the car. As I proceeded towards the house, a guy came out screaming something in Samoan. Worried that he was upset with me for getting close to his property, I immediately ran to the car and told Jared “Let’s go. Move Quickly." Puzzled first but then laughing Jared said “He thinks you are a visitor and inviting you for a drink.”
As the days passed, we got to experience the warmth and friendliness of Samoan people …..
….and enjoyed visiting Jared's mother in their beautiful village and the rest of his family on our last day. Below are our most favorite pictures; the memorable moments when we met Mom and his son.
Reflection: My childhood friend and the life partner of 40 years has tremendous fascination for Polynesia and for years, insisted on going there. Also what we had heard from the people in American Samoa about Samoa far exceeded our expectations. Many memories of people, places and wonderful experiences are captured in the two videos in this reflection.
What a nice trip! Thanks for sharing. Travels can always educate us to look at things from different perspectives.
Posted by: ThankYou from TPE | June 14, 2018 at 08:58 PM
Super nice...photos and videos were beautiful too. You and Luisa will go visit beautiful islands in the Philippines too? I have been able to visit some but more to go.
Posted by: Manila Man | June 14, 2018 at 11:28 PM
Thank you for sharing. Very beautiful place!
Posted by: PPS | June 15, 2018 at 10:18 AM
Beautiful pictures
Posted by: Oregonian | June 15, 2018 at 01:33 PM
Beautiful video and pictures on Friday Reflections! Nice!
Posted by: Rajiv | June 17, 2018 at 10:12 AM
Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos and videos throughout your adventures. A picture is worth a thousand words and you have more than one! Makes me miss home and I know my family and I are due for a trip back soon.
Posted by: melesui | July 02, 2018 at 07:07 AM