This past weekend was a big one – in more than one way. First off, it was four days long. Samoa held its national election on Friday and as per their Constitution, Thursday and Friday were public holidays. This gave people across the islands time to get to their home villages and districts for voting.... Continue Reading →
Star mounds (fetu ma'a or tia ave). The name itself evokes the sky and mystery. A mound made of stars? How could that be? Star mounds are a real life mystery that have perplexed archaeologists and other scientists here in Samoa. It’s not every day that I learn about a real life mystery. But this past weekend,... Continue Reading →
This past weekend was Father’s Day here in Samoa – a time for families to gather and celebrate Dads. Family is important to Samoans and their culture. They celebrate ten public holidays each year and three of these are dedicated to the family: Mother’s Day in May, Father’s Day in August and White Sunday which... Continue Reading →
Last Friday I was invited to plant trees with the Samoa Conservation Society to offset my carbon emissions for my trip from Australia to Samoa. I jumped at the opportunity to be out in the national park and see the ISLAND Project (Improving and Strengthening Leadership and Nature-based Development). This project seeks to address the... Continue Reading →
The program team told me when I arrived here in Samoa, I had two jobs to complete before I could begin my assignment properly: one, find accommodation and two, find a car. I’ve completed both in just the past few days. First off, I have a house that I like to live in for the... Continue Reading →
Just over a week ago I arrived in Samoa. Blurry eyed at 6am on a Tuesday morning, I disembarked the Qantas flight from Brisbane in the dark. As I entered the airport and walked up to the immigration officer to present my passport and visa that had only been emailed to me hours earlier, I... Continue Reading →
The concept of home as many other people see it is one that is difficult for me to grasp. People seem to settle in one place and feel at home. I’ve lived in more places than I can count, and yet, I still never seem to feel at home like other people. This time last... Continue Reading →
Believing in Me 