An Adventure with Taula
Taula is my taxi guy in Samoa. I met him last year when I was in Apia, the capital of Western Samoa - now know as just Samoa. Last year we spent several days exploring the islands of Upolu and Manono. We had a great time together. When he dropped me off at the airport, the last thing I did was to get his cell phone number. Well, to his amazement I actually called him on his cell when I knew I would be coming back to Samoa. He told me no one had ever done that before. He took my dates down and sure enough he was waiting at the airport on my arrival. It was a great to see him again.
Trip to Savaai Island
Samoa has two large islands Savai'i & Upolu. On my last trip to trip in Samoa, I did not get a chance to visit Savai'i - the largest island. I told Taula that I wanted him to arrange a day trip to this island and of course he would be my dirver/guide.
The Fotu O Samoa II
There is only one way to get to the island, and that was by ferry boat. The airport there was no longer deemed safe and to be honest I had my serious doubts about the safety of the ferry boat I was about to take. I don’t know how many years the Fotu O Samoa II had been in operation, but it was certainly ready for the scrapyard.
We decided to catch the early ferry to get the most of our day in Savai’i. We had to catch the last ferry trip back to Uplolo, 4:00pm. The ferry took about 3 trucks and about 12 small cars each trip. It would also take 50-60 passengers, my guess. The pictures below will tell about this exciting adventure. I can’t imagine this boat being deemed safe in to many countries.
The fumes from the engine room vent were so strong that some passengers had wet cloths over there heads to help with breathing.
This was the early morning trip, a 6am departure. It seems I was the only one up to enjoy the sunrise. I think the others had passed out from the fumes.
The crew was tentatively attending to their duties. Notice the fire bucket sign above his head. Buckets to assist him in case of an emergency, strangely they were missing.
Fire Plan
The fire plan sign looked interesting. A red metal rod and the only ring buoy I could see on the whole ship. My guess was if the ship was going down, who ever gets the metal rod first would fight off the others who want the only ring buoy. That way they could save their own life.
We actually made it to Savai’i. There awaiting us, a Starbucks ! Not the typical one you would find in North America but a very nice lady with some hot water and instant coffee crystals. I was officially in Savai’i.
Off we went to see what the island bore or bared.
Taula told me he thought it would be best if tourists first toured Savai’i before they toured Upolu. Savai’i is much more rural and traditional in its Samoan lifestyle. The country side is filled with simple homes, Fales (Ceremonial building with posts/pillars, used mainly for meeting and social gatherings) and many churches. People here live a subsistence lifestyle and no one is in a hurry thats for sure. Why Worry !!!
I was amazed at how elaborate and beautiful the churches were in comparison to the simple structures/homes that the people lived in.
One of the tourist stops on the island is the site where a volcanic eruption in 1906 created a lava flow that went to the sea, right through a Catholic Church. Interesting stop.
This lady was weaving a ceremonial mat to be used at funerals and special occasions. The family was happy to have me photograph them.
Nothing better than a Samoan BBQ Chicken stand for lunch, kind off. After looking at how the food had been cooked, I got a little nervous about how my stomach would react. Anyway, Taula was diving into his already, and I thought it best to meet the challenge. I ended up giving about two thirds of mine to a road worker on the side of the road. His eyes lite up when we stopped to make him an offer he couldn't refuse.
I quickly asked Taula to stop when I saw this road side retail store - Last Blessing Fashion. What a name, why wouldn't you stop to order a custom made garment. I asked them about taking a picture and they were thrilled.
Great trip around this beautiful island.
Time for a beer with Taula. No small beers sold here, only the large bottles sold on the island (750ml). A couple of beers and I forget all about taking that same ferry boat back to Upolo Island. Besides I was going to sit next to the fire plan, and grab that red metal rod if I needed it.
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