Samoa

January 26

The Amsterdam docked around 7:00 a.m. at Apia on the island of Upolu. Apia is the capital of Samoa and the only place in Samoa that you could call a city. It has modern details such as banks and burger outlets, but seems to still retain the picturesque charm of its history.

Jack and I did not take the excursion to Robert Louis Stephenson’s home, but rather walked the streets and explored. The clock tower in the center of town is a memorial to WWI casualties. Just to the west of the clock tower is the Flea Market which has craft stalls selling everything from lava bowls and siapo (died bark sheets) and jewelry made from coconuts and shells.

There are several churches scattered around Apia. We understand that the people are mostly Christian and very conservative. Everything closes down on Sunday and the people all wear white to church.

It was interesting walking the streets and see most of the people in their native dress. They are very friendly and always smiling. We were told that Samoan people may go to extreme lengths to avoid offending their guests. Rules governing politeness can be carried to such a degree, for example, that the reply “yes” may be given to a question even when the answer is really no.

Local children gave a performance for our enjoyment in the afternoon. The evening entertainment was the return of the past three night’s entertainers. It was an evening of comedy and music with Stuart Gillies, Rick Starr and Annette Wardell.

The day of the week is printed in very large letters on the carpet in the elevators. We are wondering what will be there tomorrow as we are losing Sunday when we cross the international date line. The priest last Sunday informed us that we were under no obligation for Sunday the 27th, but we could attend Monday’s service. He has quite a sense of humor.

It rained all day but was still warm. This is the only day of rain we have had since we left and they call this the rainy season.

At 6:00 we set sail toward Nuku Alofa, Tonga.