 American Samoa is located in the South
Pacific and comprises seven islands including Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu,
known as the Manu'a group which are volcanic in origin and dominated by
high peaks. Known as " The Heart of Polynesia",
Western Samoa has proudly preserved an age-old culture and authentic
village lifestyles. New Zealand occupied the German protectorate of
Western Samoa at the outbreak of World War I in 1914. It continued to
administer the islands as a mandate and then as a trust territory until
1962, when the islands became the first Polynesian nation to reestablish
independence in the 20th century. The country dropped the "Western" from
its name in 1997 A fully independent state,
(not to be confused with American Samoa), Western Samoa consists of 9
islands, each richly endowed with natural beauty. The main islands are
Savaii and
Upolu. There are two others, Apolima and Manono, and five
uninhabited islets The Samoans cling proudly to their 2,000 year-old
heritage, and visitors are encouraged to learn about and participate in
their way of life.
 It is here that the Scottish writer
Robert Louis Stevenson ( Treasure
Island) spent his last years, finding solace in the tranquility of this
country, so richly steeped in tradition.Robert Louis Stevenson spent the
last 4 years of his life in Samoa and is buried at the summit of Mount
Vaea. Stevenson's charming residence "Vailima" has been meticulously
restored and is now a museum, the great author himself is buried atop
Mount Vaea, overlooking Apia and its harbour. It's a resting place he
chose so he could stay forever with Samoa and the people he loved.It is
recommended that visitors see the grounds and home of Robert Louis
Stevenson, now the official residence of the Head of State.
The Samoa Islands, nestled in the warm,
crystal clear waters of the blue Pacific Ocean, are a popular
destination for vacationers. The gentle climate has blessed this
tropical paradise with a bounty of delicious fruits, and lush
vegetation. Apart from the many magnificent white sand beaches, rugged
forested mountains, steep gorges, numerous waterfalls, lava fields,
blowholes, dormant volcanoes and coconut plantations, many other
exciting scenic wonders beckon.
The harbour of Pago Pago is the
crater of an extinct volcano and a spectacular cable-car ride above the
harbour offers breathtaking views. On the north coast of the island, a
mountain-pass ride from Fagasa, is the Forbidden Bay, claimed to be one
of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. A 2-day cruise around the
islands usually includes an overnight stay in a local Fale (Samoan home)
on the unspoiled island of Savaii.
Food and entertainment go hand in
hand at the Samoan feast, fia fia, where suckling pig, chicken and fish,
breadfruit, coconuts and mango are served during performances of
traditional dancing, organised regularly by several establishments.
Visitors can take advantage of the richly stocked fishing waters by
hiring fully-equipped boats, available through hotels or tour agents.
Skindiving, snorkelling and surfing facilities are also excellent.
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