Upolo/Savaii Islands, Samoa
02.09.2009 - 06.09.2009
22 °C
Ta,
I headed out last Wednesday to the southern beaches of Upolo. What a ride a souped up bus with bumping tunes flying throught the beautiful mountains. Had to laugh at one point as Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' came on. Made it to Lalomauno a beautiful white sand beach with the island Nuufele in the close distance. Sunny day, arrived around 2pm and laid out on the beach and did some snorkeling. Met a girl from England who is dating a Samaon boy and now lives in the village. Hung out on her porch for the night having a few drinks and enjoying listening to a group of Samoan boys play the guitar, sing, and dance. It was a great night full of laughs and great entertainment. That night a crazy storm came in adn blew heavy against my ocean front fale. The next morning I set out walking to be greated by rain and more rain... like super heavy monsoon rain. Drenched yet enjoyed the four hours I trekked through villages as the little Soamoan children yelled 'bye-bye palange'. It was great. Stop for lunch and a swim at Saleapago which has a lovely waterfall on the mountain behind it. Never made it to any of the proper waterfalls for it was to wet. Ended up back in Apia against my wishes but went with it and thought something great will come of this. The next morning I awoke early and headed to the bus stop. As I came around the wharf at 6:45am the streets were packed with Samoans as it was the last day of the Teulia Festival and the day of the parade and the Miss Samoa Pageant. The floats were amazing!!! All decorated in local materials; shells, leaves, clothe, paitning absoluelty beautiful. The streets were incrediably crowded. I stopped at the bakery and got a donate and notice the people buying these little round balls, so I bought a few to try.... they ended up being more amazing than donut holes (my girls would love them!) I made my way through the hustle and to the bus. And eventually to the ferry. Upon arrival at the ferry I was a little annoyed that it did not leave till 12 and I arrived at 10am. There is such isparity in the time tables depending on who you ask. I could of easily watched the races and made it on timwe to the ferry but was told different, oh well I made it. The ferry was jam packed with people on the floor in the aisle, people laying in front of doors and stairs... people anywhere there was a little space to fit them. I did meet some ladies and a girl from Australia that were native Samoan but here visiting, nice conversation with them. (Forgot to mention the herding effect...as soon as they were boarding the ferry was rushed with no order, no queue aka line, just elbow your way in , lol)
Once on Savaii, it was the same a mad rush to get off and I immediately was attacked by taxi drivers but have learned to ignore them and made my way to the bus. It was loaded to the max! I mean people on people, people standing, bags stacked, music bumping as we flew down the road in the rain with no wipers...(breath Nonnie, lol). Whew! What a ride. About an hour later I arrived in the village of Manase, on a beautiful sunny day! made my way to the beach fales and was greeted with a fresh cocunut froim the tree, divine. Spent the arvo relaxing and snorkeling on the beach, had a great dinner and then back tot the beach to enjoy the full moon glinsening on the waves. had planned to leave the next day but with the transportaion system or lack of I did not want to get stranded in a remote area with only a few days till my flight, Sunday & public holidays coming up, and no certainty if the ferry ran on Monday. So I decided to treat myself to a proper day of lying on the beach and enjoying the sun, something I surprisingly have not done since here. I have been constantly on the move and have not slept past 8am, crazy, eh?
It was a lovely day!!! Just what I deserve to reflect on my travels and prepare for the massive reality check that is in my extremely near future. Like in less than 72 hours!!
So, the best part, today my trip back to the ferry this morning. i awoke at 6am to see the sunrise but the sky was stormy and no sight of the sun. I had breakie and headed to the bus stop. To be picked up by a full bus, Or so I thought. But as we continued along the road the bus stopped and continued to pick people up. There is some type of hierarchy on the bus. Older women/men get there own seat. Young men stack sometimes three/four high in the back and children just passed off to the best seat. Bags lines the center aisle and all around the driver and just when I thought we can not possible fit anyone else we pickup 10 more bags and all!!! So squshed you cannot even take a deep breath! It was quite an experience. The lap of the man I was sitting on has traveled a bit and was excited to see palanges (me and one other) learning and experiencing the island way, everyone has a place a shuffle made usually in silence but always done quickly and without gruff, just expected/customary. and let me tell you there it was quite an easy movement as a stop made and the people at the very back climbed over bags and people, there bags found and on the bus went. Lol Was going to spend a few hours in Savaii and catch the arvo ferry but it was pouring rain so I got on the morning one and made my way back to the inn. It is Sunday so everything is closed today and it is pouring rain so noit much to do but chill. A few travellers are here a group of 9 sporatically left when they found out the ferry is not running the next few days. I am thinking I may treat myself to pizza tonight (will think of you Lyndz) and chat with the few that are in the front room.
I head out tomorrow back to LA, back to family, back to friends, back to hot showers, back to reality... ah what a beautiful strange long trip this has been! So, amazing I am in a way not ready for it to end yet look forward to being home. I am so glad I did this journey through all the ups and downs it has been an amzing experience! Talk with you, heck see you soon...
Peace and love
Krystal
Posted by krystalynn 19:00 Archived in Samoa Tagged backpacking Comments (0)