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| Salemumu Beach, Upolu |
Not to long ago, I went to visit my parents who lived in the independent nation of Samoa. Before the trip, I was very skeptical of even visiting. For goodness sake, that is going to a different country, even though I was born in the neighboring island of Tutuila (a U.S. territory).
Was there something wrong with me? Not only was I skeptical of going but I was just very hesitant. I hopped on the plane what seemed like a very uncomfortable 5 hours of flying. When I finally arrived at the airport, my body was screaming for an ac. It was in the early morning it wasn't that hot, yet, but you could feel the heat inside the baggage claim area.
As I walked out of the terminal into the waiting lobby, I seen my dad standing there waiting for me and my mom. I walked to say a quick hello, but quickly asked where is the closest store. I was very thirsty. I pulled out a couple U.S. dollar bills forgetting I was in a different country to buy a bottle water. At first the lady just stared at me but then she realized I was new. She accepted the bills though since Samoa tala is double the rate of a U.S. dollar. It felt good to drink.
As we drove on the road to the house, I realized, I really am here, especially after a 21 year absence. The last time I was in Samoa, I was there for only a couple days, so I did not get to do much. However, from what I remember from back then, not much really has changed. At least not in a total significant way. Well of course except the driving. It just was weird.
So what is it about Samoa that makes me want to move back and leave Hawai'i, a place I have been saying this will be my home? What makes me want to go back is the fact that it is just beautiful down there. Yes I won't deny it is hella humid. But it gets that way because the island is in the tropics. It gets humid here in Hawaii as well. The way of life down in Samoa is much more simpler and surprisingly, I can hang. I just need to familiarize myself with the customs and traditions that have made Samoa the way it is. I loved how there was an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables - all organic and not really that expensive.
Outside my dad's house there was a papaya tree growing with some ripe fruit. I can't stand papaya at all but I hate the idea that fruit was just going to get wasted. So my dad picked it with a stick, and I ate it. Wow, it was delicious and sweet. I ate at least one papaya a day with bananas. I've always been a sucker for bananas though. The weather was hot but it rained to keep things nice and cool. What I enjoyed was fresh koko Samoa (our version of roasted chocolate) with the white bread and NZ Anchor butter. For some taste, slap on some strawberry jelly.
As long as I have a working internet connection, and the internet technology in Samoa doesn't seem that slow, I think I will be able to survive there. I am trying to settle some things here in Hawai'i so that when I make the move, I will be ok. American Samoa is only 45 minutes away so the thought of being in America is not too far. One of the main reasons though I am thinking this through is someone is going to need to take care of my parents as they are getting older. As of now, I am single and no kids so yes I am the most likely candidate.
I loved being in Samoa. When it was time to leave, I found myself hesitating to even pack and pondered how much it would cost me to change my ticket. In the end, I had to get back on my flight and return, with a heavy heart. I really do want to move back. Even though that would put me miles away from the rest of my siblings, I find myself yearning to be in a place where I know for sure I will be happiest.
