After our first bus trip yesterday we were feeling brave enough to take another longer one today This time it was up and over the mountains to the south side of the island and the village of Siumu. Specifically to the Coconuts Resort and Spa, viewed by many as one of the top resorts on the island, but more renowned for the cuisine at their restaurant as well as its beautifully white sandy beach and the black sand beach nearby.
Our bus trip there took much longer than the return trip and proceeded to be an outing in itself; primarily because it was shopping day. First we waited for all the passengers to finish their shopping in Apia. Then, after the bus driver ensured his radiator was full of water, a telling sign of things to come, we headed out. However, not even 10 minutes later it was another stop. This time to fill the bus with diesel and for the passengers to fill their jerry cans with petrol or go to yet another supermarket where
they bought all sorts of freshly baked goods. By now we were starting to wondering just how far away this village was.
Anyway, with passengers loaded and the bus full to the brim with supplies from boxes of frozen chicken to huge bags of rice, we started the journey. For the first 45 minutes we travelled straight up and for the second 45 minutes we travelled straight down, holding onto our seats so as not to slide out of them. It literally was straight up and down the mountain.
The views and scenery, as well as the glimpse into rural Samoa, however, was worth every bump in the road. Once in the countryside, we could see the colourful fales (open-air houses) set in beautiful gardens, vegetable gardens, fruit trees and subsistence farming, school children in their traditional dress uniforms; such a contrast to the city and, of course, a whole different world from the fabulous resort where we had lunch.
Before we disembarked we asked the driver what time the bus returned. His reply: " Be here at this spot at 3 o'clock" and, at 3 o'clock he was there to pick us up having made a special trip down the country lane to fetch us. It was as if someone had told him we were waiting there because as soon as we jumped on board he did a u-turn and headed back to collect his other passengers. Just the coolest thing!
And, we weren't disappointed with our lunch either. We shared a sampler platter for starters, followed by Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio (Roy) and New Zealand Mussels (Elaine) for our main course, then molten chocolate cake and ice-cream for dessert, topped off with cappuccinos.
Guess you could say we're eating our way around Samoa!
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