Page 143 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

SAVAII
Falealupo

Mt Silisili

Tafua

Apia
UPOLU

Samoa is located halfway between Hawaii and New History
Zealand. Its natural wonders include waterfalls, These islands were first settled about 1000 BC and are accepted as
mountains, volcanoes and miles of secluded beaches. the heart of the Polynesian culture. In 1768, Louis de Bougainville
sighted Samoa and named them ‘The Navigator Islands’ because of
Capital and major centres the many Samoans sailing small canoes far from the sight of land.
Samoa is made up of ten islands, of which Savaii is the largest. Its
neighbour, Upolu is the most populated and the location of the capital, During the 18th century, vast plantations producing copra and cotton
Apia, along with the international airport, the seat of government and were developed for export and Apia became a major commercial
the centre of commerce. Savaii is dotted with secluded beaches and centre in the South Pacific. Samoa was annexed by Germany from
crowned at the centre by the 1858 metre Mt Silisili. 1899 to 1914 and then by New Zealand from 1914 until 1962, when
Western Samoa finally gained self government. The ‘Western’ was
The main entry point into Samoa is Falelolo International Airport, 35 dropped from its official name in 1997. Although Samoan is the native
km from Apia. Currency exchanges are open for all international flight language, English is widely spoken.
arrivals and departures. Airport shuttles are provided to the major
hotels and can be booked prior to arrival or organised after clearing Nature
Customs. Both islands are rich in fauna and flora. Savaii has lush tropical
rainforests, housing many exotic bird species. Conservation
Taxis are also available but it’s recommended to confirm the price to organisations provide funding to ensure the rainforests at Tafua and
your destination with the driver before you depart.
Falealupo on Savaii are protected and maintained.
The people Samoa’s climate is tropical all year round, with two distinct seasons,
Samoans are the largest group of full-blooded Polynesians in the the dry season running from May to October and the wet season from
world and have retained much of their ancient culture. Their practice November to April. The average daily temperature is 29ºC and the
of fa’a Samoa, (the Samoan Way), is a living culture that centres ocean is warm enough to swim all year round.
around the family unit and love and respect for all.
The sights
Their tradition of tattooing is an intricate art and has been a cultural The Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson brought his family to live
right of passage for generations. Many Samoans proudly display at Upolu in 1890 and built a large home in the foothills above Apia,
complex symbolic designs from the lower chest to the knees.
where he spent his last years.

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