Tag: Apia

February 1, 2024 – Photo of the Day – Apia, Samoa

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Apia, Samoa

Where in the World Are We?

Anchored off Apia, Samoa – ALL DAY – Officials would not clear our ship to tender in or dock.

APIA, SAMOA ISLANDS
A PARADISE ON EARTH, WITH ITS WARM CULTURE AND BREATHTAKING SCENERIES


As the first independent state of Polynesia, Samoa is considered the cradle of the nation, a place where the Earth and the heart fuse seamlessly. Incidentally, were one to translate the word “Samoa” into the traditional Polynesia dialect, they would find that the words “Sa” and “Moa” mean exactly that: earth and center. Apia, Samoa’s only town, is found on the central north coast of Upolu, Samoa’s second largest island.


Originally a tiny village of just over 300 inhabitants (c. 1800), the town’s population has grown to be just shy of 40,000. While a population of such size might mean forgetting traditional roots in favor of modern life, this has not been the case in Apria.


The Samoan way of life is still very much the order of the day; traditional open-sided houses with thatched roofs on platforms of coral or concrete, also known as ‘fales’, can be seen everywhere and nearly all of the population (including the policemen) wear the typical local dress; skirts, or ‘lavalavas’ for men, and long, mumu-style dresses for women.


The markets are bursting with culture and color, selling everything from handicrafts to cuisine and local produce. If the idyllic setting of aquamarine pools of bluey green water, framed by low fringed palms and huge umbrella trees seems familiar, that’s because it probably is. The island, and notably the southern resort of Lefaga, was used in the 1953 Gary Cooper classic Return to Paradise Beach. It is also the last place on Earth to see each day’s sunset.

MAKETI FOU
This 24-hour market is a must-see shopping and social experience. Explore the vibrant atmosphere with local merchants, shoppers, and men playing games of mu (Samoan checkers), and offering primarily local produce. Souvenir hunters will find siapo (decorated bark cloth), woodcarvings, coconut-shell jewelry, lava-lava (wraparound sarongs), and T-shirts.
If you want a revitalizing drink, a cold niu (drinking coconut) would be a wonderful refreshment to make the hot climate more bearable.

Sights

• Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
• Samoa Cultural Village

  • Palolo Deep Marine Reserve
  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral
  • Tiapapata Art Centre
  • Tafatafa Beach

TONIGHT’S SHOW – SAMOA PARADISE

In Pacific culture, dance and performance are
an important part of the culture and heritage
of people, and it has been passed down
through generations as a way of keeping
traditions alive. Each Pacific nation has its unique dances that tell stories, and showcase history and culture. In Samoa, for example, the Siva Samoa is a traditional dance that tells stories of the island’s history and legends.
Experience an extraordinary night featuring an incredible cultural performance and get to know more about Samoa’s culture and history through song, dance, and traditional costumes.


Check out today’s Daily Chronicle

Chronicle-1-Feb-ApiaDownload