Apia, Samoa = 90-degree air temp – 85-degree water temp

Apia is the capital of Samoa, the nation’s major port and only city. The Samoan group of islands lie in the center of the South Pacific. Samoa is 2300 miles SSW of Honolulu, 2700 miles NE of Sydney, and 1800 miles NNE of Auckland.

This island suffered great damage from two different cyclones in 1990 and 1991. These storms wiped out the entire group of islands; however, they rebuilt very quickly. Additionally, the area of the island where we visited the resort suffered a tsunami (1994? could be wrong) and lost 85 people. The 8.2 magnitude earthquake that caused the tsunami happened around 4:00 a.m. in the morning and the island was notified to warn its residents. The telephone company was then asked to call everyone on the island with the warning; however, instead of calling, they texted everyone – and this was at 6:00 a.m. – a time when no one was checking their phone for texts. Around 7:00 a.m. or so the residents heard a great rumbling sound and knew something was happening, but they weren’t thinking tidal wave. Then the water receded, exposing all sorts of fish, etc. – many of the young residents ran out to grab the fish not realizing that this was the warning sign of an impending tsunami – yikes! Many of those who died were young people. The woman who led our tour lost her cousin – she was helping a disabled person into a car and was to be the next person to get into the car; however, the wave caught her and swept her away. They found her after two days on top of a tree – very sad.

We had signed up for an excursion to the southern side of the island (we docked on the north side), visiting a resort called Sinalai Reef Resort. On the way, we stopped for a view of the Papapapaita Falls. If you want to hike to those falls, it takes three hours each way, through dense jungle – no thanks, we enjoyed our view from the road. The tropical plants are plentiful and very colorful – our guide was well-versed in pointing out and naming many of the plants, including breadfruit – which we were able to taste.

Once at the resort, we were treated to a buffet luncheon which included roast pig, chicken, and other local fare, and a show put on by the local people including drums, dancers, and even fire baton twirling. We then spent the remainder of the day enjoying the warm waters of the south Pacific Ocean. Samoa is quite hilly, very green and lush – they have two seasons, rain and very rainy; however, we were fortunate to experience a beautiful, hot, sunny day.

These islands are often called the “friendly” islands and we agree that they are aptly named – everyone was most gracious and happy to see us -even waving at our bus (a white bus full of white people) as we drove around the island.

We sailed from Apia around 6:00 p.m. and are now on our way to Tonga. A fun fact – the captain told us that later this evening we’ll be straddling the international date line – and that for those of us on the starboard side of the ship, it will remain Thursday – however, those on the port side of the ship, will revert to Wednesday!! We’re on the starboard side. Or maybe we’ll run back and forth!!