Samoa

20 April – 7 May 2016

Two years ago, when we were dragging anchor all around Pago Pago (American Samoa) our friends in Apia were having a great time. So, we are glad to get a second chance in this corner of the world in order to get our turn in this beautiful country.

First things first. It’s “Samoa” not “Western Samoa.” They dropped the “Western” back in 1997, but many charts and maps still reference the old name. It’s a beautiful young reef fringed volcanic island nation with a lush green landscape and a rich history. The two largest islands are Savi’i to the west and Upolu to the east.

We spent two weeks on the island of Upolu, and one thing that really stood out to me was this: The Samoans have got to be the friendliest of all the Polynesians! And we’ve been to Hawaii, French Polynesia, Tonga, Atearoa (New Zealand), and Tuvalu. Seriously, they rival the Fijians for their friendliness!

Map of Samoa

Samoa is part of the larger Samoan Island chain, and today it’s proudly referred to by the locals as “Independent Samoa.” While it’s sister Samoan nation of American Samoa remains a U.S. territory, Samoa (still Western Samoa at the time) achieved independence from New Zealand back in 1962. Western Samoa was first colonized by Germany near the turn of the century but during WWI it was occupied by New Zealand without German resistance. After the war it stayed in the hands of New Zealand until eventual independence.

The superficial differences between American Samoa and Samoa are easily spotted in that one has an American influence (so they drive on the right side and write their dates month/day/year) and the other has a Commonwealth influence (so they use A4 size paper and call trash cans rubbish bins). However, there are deeper differences, of course, due to the divergence of their histories and the way they are being governed today. American Samoa has become basically a welfare state while the people of Samoa must work harder for what they have, but I think there’s something to be said for hard work and independence, no? Of course, things like infant mortality rates are much better in American Samoa, and it’s hard to complain about something like that.

In any case, they are all Samoans, and even though they are politically divided they still share a kinship and rich history and culture.

The capital “city” of Apia on the north side of Upolu is one of the nicest in the Pacific, and the country has a developing tourism industry. It would make a great alternative to the standard Hawaiian holiday for anyone looking for a bit more ruggedness and a bit more access to traditional culture.

If you are interested in reading about our previous adventures in Pago Pago, American Samoa, including massive anchor dragging drama, here’s a link.

The greater Samoan Island chain including Samoa and American Samoa