Today we didn't venture too far, but after breakfast we took a taxi to the bus terminus and then headed along the northwest coast of Upolu Island to the village of Malua, where we visited the EFKS Museum at the School of Fine Arts. Rated as a "must see" tourist attraction, we were definitely not disappointed. The wood carvings by the students were spectacular, many depicting various ancient legends, but just as many were the creation of their imaginations.
The northeast coast was very different from the south coat. Besides the striking contrast of the amazing colours of the ocean against the dark volcanic rock, it wasn't very rural, but rather peri-urban with fales, schools, small food markets and churches or rather spectacular Cathedrals and Temples all along the route. In fact, we have never seen the likes before and can certainly appreciate the local story about cyclone Winston, the largest storm on record. After devastating Fiji and p
arts of
Tonga, it headed towards Samoa, but when it saw all the churches, it turned around and passed back over Fiji.
It is fair to say that every Christian denomination that one can think of is represented here, not to mention the number of retreats and Theological Colleges. In observing these numbers and the enormity of these establishments, its difficult to comprehend that religion could be that lucrative. Staggering really for such a small population.
On our return to Apia, we enjoyed a very tasty lunch at the Milani Café before heading back to Paw Paw for another afternoon nap. What can we say, all this sightseeing is hard work!
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