From Nadi, Fiji it will take almost 2 hours flight to reach Apia, the capital of Western Samoa. I’m going to Samoa not MOA (Mall of Asia)!
It’s a different adventure hitting the ride under ATR-72 aircraft, the propeller type airplane with seating capacity of 60 pax.
In case you are not aware, there are two Samoan countries. One is the independent country Samoa or Western Samoa and the other is American Samoa, territory of United States. Apia is the capital city of Independent State of Samoa and the official languages are English and Samoan. It was under German Empire from 1900 to 1914, then colonized by New Zealand from 1914 to 1962 and gained independence in 1962.
View this post on InstagramApia is the capital and the largest city of Samoa. #apia #samoa #oceania
I usually booked standard hotel room during my tour but this time I opted the Samoan traditional bungalow room. Feels like I am in the old days and they provided mosquito net. The breakfast is typical bread with butter jam and variety of fresh fruits.
Since I have limited time, I went for a self-walking tour from the hotel to city center of Apia. It is pretty much safe to walk and the locals are friendly.
The Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral is a Catholic Church in Apia. I thought the church is new, but it undergoes restoration due to the earthquake in 2009. It has a unique exterior color but unfortunately it was closed when I went for a visit.
Apia Clock Tower is a gift to Samoan people by the businessman and politician Ta’isi Olaf Frederick Nelson. The clock has been a national war memorial to commemorate the Samoan-born soldiers who fought in World War 1 & 2.
The roof of Government Building of Samoa is oval shape painted with brown color. The height of the building is 34 meters with 8 floors and completed in 1994.
Samoa Cultural Village is located in the city center of Apia on Beach Road. It offers unique experience especially for tourist like me who wants to try Fa’a Samoa or “The Samoan Way”. The staff are very hospitable and friendly that will make you feel at home. They are showing how strong their culture despite we are now in modern days. The entrance to the village is absolutely free.
They have a live presentation on how they are cooking their traditional food.
The exciting part is their cultural dance showcasing Traditional Polynesian Dance.
After the dance presentation, time to eat and taste their homemade lunch.
Inside the cultural village they are selling handicrafts and souvenirs made by the local people.
After visiting the cultural village, I went to see Apia Waterfront. There is playground for children and perfect place to walk while overlooking the ocean.
Along the way I found M.V. Joyita memorial, dedicated to those 25 passengers and crew who disappeared during the trip from Apia, Samoa to Fakaofo, Tokelau in 1955.
Some of the sceneries on my way to Faleolo International Airport. Samoa was my 55th country and territory visited around the world. Stay tune for My Travel Diary Webseries Part 8!
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explorer Man,
Jerry, Write a book now ,make it history
Thanks for the suggestion my bestfriend!