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February 02, 2005
We Made it!
We've made it to beatifull Samoa safe and sound after nearly 20 hours in transit. Stepping off the plane late this morning was amazing. The air was hot and humid and a traditional Samoan band greated us passengers as we collected our luggage.
The band consisted of a eukileli, a bass made up of a 5 gallon pale, a broom stick and some twine, a guitar and a mandolin. The music they made was amazing. The harmoney singing in native Samoan language made me want to stay at the airport!
We were soon in a taxi headed for Apia, the capital of Samoa. After a very informative 40 minute drive with a man named Tau we arrived at Seipepa Fale, our home for the next couple days. We were shown to our fale, a traditional Samoan hut which is open to the air with thatched roof and woven palm leaf blinds.
Almost as soon as we hit our beds, the roosters started to crow, then the dogs started to bark, but I wasn't bothered as I was far too excited for sleep.
I did manage a few hours of rest and at 8 am we conviened at the central fale for a communal breakfast. The breakfast was just as I pictured it, a wide assortment of fresh fruit, fresh baked bread and jam, and some hot tea served in coconuts.
We just returned from a walk around Apia. Its a very busy place with the ever present crowing of roosters, dogs lazily roaming around a the people heading in all directions. From almost all those we past we were greated with a smile and a hello or "Talofa", which means good morning or hello in Samoan.
We've made arrangements to head to the more rural part of Upolo, which is the island we're on now, and in a few mintues we're headed to a natural slide in the rainforest. It should be great as there was a fair bit of rain last night.
Saturday we'll head to Savai'i, the other main island where we'll spend the rest of the time. Savai'i is more rural and more beautiful. Can't wait to get there.
Thats all for now.
Posted by Andy at February 2, 2005 04:30 PM
Comments
It's 9:00 A.Thurs. here. So happy to hear from you. Sounds so exotic and fascinating-you've already been pretty busy with interesting things to see and do. Is the island mountainous? Does it rain frequently? Seen any neat birds/flowers? Do the people look Polanisian? Can't wait for pics. Love to Both, Mom/Gail
Posted by: Mom at February 3, 2005 09:54 AM
Hi, What are you up to. Keep checking for pics. and messages. Hope you're o k? Love- your worry wort Mother.
Posted by: Mom at February 6, 2005 09:36 AM
Hi Kate and Andy, Loved the travelog! You mentioned people called Kiwi. Did you see any kiwi birds? Great to hear from you. Mom
Posted by: mom at February 11, 2005 09:40 AM
Wow, I love the pictures! Love Kate's entry. Why's the car so slow? Better talk to Fran the car man. What kind of folks populate New Zealand? Is that where kiwis live-the bird kind? Take care of each other. Love, Mom
Posted by: mom at February 15, 2005 11:19 PM