Paw Paw - Log Day 193: Fa'a Samoa, the Samoan Way

The Samoan Islands have been populated for 3000 years, but known to the western world for just over two centuries. Archaeologists state that early Polynesians travelled from South East Asia into the Pacific populating the islands of Papua New Guinea to Tonga and Samoa. It was sometime later that they migrated east to the Cook Islands, Nuie, Tahiti and Easter Island before heading to Hawaii and New Zealand.

Today Samoans are regarded as the largest full blooded Polynesian race left in the world. Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way) is the foundation of their culture and heritage, with the Aiga (Extended family) being the core, lead by Matai (Chiefs) and where each family member has a role to play in their Tautua (Service) to the extended family. The only major change in the culture over the 3000 years was the introduction of Christianity which forms the basis of their society.

As visitors there are guidelines to follow so as not to cause offense like asking permission before taking a photograph or honouring the Sa when villagers observe a half an hour of prayer at dusk or not drinking or eating while walking through a village or ensuring you cover your outstretched legs when sitting down on the ground if you don't cross them.

With all this in mind we took our first ride on an agia (local buses belonging to various families) to see some of the island as well as find the grocery stores, etc. We were delighted to find eggs which we have been unable to buy for the past month. Roy also collected his new glasses so, thankfully, he can see properly again. Riding the buses is a great deal of fun and very festive with all their decorations and music that is pumped out. For a dollar a ride, it's certainly the cheapest way to get around!

The most striking thing we noticed today was the people. They are so friendly and helpful, smiling and happy. Such a pleasure!