Independent Samoa Review

We went to Western Samoa and loved it. It's not for everyone: if you're looking for luxury hotels and room service, this is not the place for you. If, on the other hand, you're looking to sleep in a grass hut on the beach, roll out of "bed" and walk five feet to the warm, crystal clear ocean, and be surrounded by tropical fish, and snorkel over an unspoiled reef..then Samoa is for you. If you're hoping for air conditioning, forget it. If you love the idea of spending your whole vacation barefoot and wearing not much more than a bathing suit, this may be for you. If you need to have cellphone access, email, television, etc...forget it. If, on the other hand, the idea of hanging out with a family of fire dancers until the wee hours of the morning, drinking local beer and dancing until you drop appeals to you, Samoa might be just what you're after.

Due to strict laws which prohibit the sale of land in Independent Samoa (not to be confused with American Samoa, which is a very different place) this gorgeous place is unspoiled. No big hotels, and beaches can only be private in that they belong to the families of each village. After years of extensive travel, I can honestly say this was the trip of a lifetime. Don't expect guided tours or excitement...that's what Vegas is for. Expect,instead, natural beauty, true relaxation, friendly people, all-day sun, and the most amazing beaches you've ever been to. You can also expect to spend less than $US20, including accommodation and food. You read that right: less than $US20 a day. It's actually hard to spend money in Samoa,as there's nothing to buy and there are very few food places. Most beach accommodations (Fales, pronounced Fah-Leys) are about 15-20 bucks per night per person, with meals included.

The cons: taking a bus in Samoa can be scary an uncomfortable. People will sit on your lap if there are no available seats. Don't complain, because this is just how they do it in Samoa.

Another con: getting there yakes a long time, unless you live in, say, Tonga. Once you land, chances are you'll have more travelling to do, as Apia (where the airport is) is nothing but a crazy, dirty city. You'll be getting on a bus or renting a car or taking a ferry further out, to true paradise.

For some, the food may be an issue. If you're adventurous, it's great fun: they eat a lot of root vegetables and fish in coconut cream, wraped in banana leaves and roasted. Delicious. They also eat a lot of canned cornedbeef. Yuck. But who cares? There are banana and mango trees everywhere, and the fruit is amazing. So is the fresh coconut. If you like fruit, you've got it made.

One unbelievable gem: Samoan beer is awsome. The national brand is called Vailema. Evidently, when Germany ruled Samoa, they taught the locals the craft of beermaking, and it's been retained. Great beer, that Vailema.