Every local Samoan I met during my stay on Apia was genuine, friendly and welcoming. We would walk down the street or amble through the villages in the jeep, as nobody moves quickly in Samoa, and receive only smiles and waves from any local we passed. A young Samoan boy saw us watching the turtles at the side of a stream and jumped in enthusiastically to pull it out the water and show us.
- Samoan village communities are friendly and welcoming. Life exists entirely around the immediate family and the extended family within the village, headed by an elected chief who directs the social, economic and political affairs.
On our tour through one village we had to stop unexpectedly at the side of the road and remain silent with the engine off as a large procession of people moved along the road, chanting as one powerful voice.
Pete informed us that a high chief in the village had died and everyone in the village would therefore be present, young and old, to show respect. This chanting and parading down the road was part of the funeral procession which would continue over several days.
The attitudes behind this are so rare. The behaviour of everyone in the village is controlled by an overriding respect for others in the community. People do not vandalise or graffiti, treat others badly or steal, because the result would be shame placed on the family and on the whole village. The law consists of a sense of unity and moral awareness in Samoa.
An epic moment, that I will remember forever, was the night we were welcomed into a party in one of Apia’s posh hotels, Aggie Grey’s, where there was a hefty feast laid out, Samoan dancing and fire shows to entertain. Samoan dancing required a high level of fitness and extreme skill.
The New Zealand rugby team happened to be guests at the party that night as they had played and beaten Samoa in a match that day. There was a defiant yet light hearted buzz in the room as announcements were made on stage to congratulate their presence and success. They performed the haka on stage 2 metres in front of me to celebrate their win. It was fantastic.
The Samoan passion, however, drove a local man to stand up from the audience and challenge the entire team from below the stage. He performed a proud war dance as the team were about to walk off stage.
It was incredibly inspiring and patriotic. The Samoans should be proud of a nation so honest, unified and sincere.
