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Visitors Notebook

Janice, has just returned from spending a month with friends in Samoa and has been kind enough to send us the following notes about Samoa.

Transport

The main bus terminal has been moved to a large area on the seafront at the back of the Flea Market, beside the fish market.

It costs 6 tala per person to travel to Savai'i by ferry, and once you have arrived it is possible to hire a car from either of the two car rental companies.

Entertainment

There is a new nightclub on the Mulinu'u Peninsula aptly named "The Peninsula". Although is has a small dancefloor compared to the RSA Club, it does have a live band and tables and seats under the huge, illuminated trees surrounding the club.

Events

On Friday nights, and possibly others, enterprising people set up barbecues around the downtown Apia area and for 5 tala you get a filling meal of pork, chicken and assorted vegetables.

Palolo Rise on Upolu was a 'non-event' this year. Janice and a group of friend from the village, drove to Salamumu at 4:30 a.m. They bought a 5-tala BBQ and sat on the beach waiting for the call to go and scoop the palolo. There were several people in the lagoon with kerosene lamps but no palolo!

Samoan Customs

Samoans do not show romantic affection towards each other either in public or in front of certain members of their families. A strict code of protocol prevails which is extremely complicated. It would be courteous to follow their example.

Medical Facilities

There can be long delays at the National Hospital. However, it costs just 20 tala to be seen by a private doctor. A 7-day course of amoxicillin cost 7.70 tala.