Crowded beaches lead to unplanned family union

By Yolanda Lavata’i 03 January 2019, 12:00AM

The struggle to find an available spot on the beach in Samoa on New Year’s day was a common story shared by many beach goers.

But this led to an interesting discovery for one family. 

Not only was in a welcomed discovery, it also led to an unplanned family get-together for the Finau and Tiatia families at Matareva, Lefaga.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, June and George Finau from Aleisa said they initially drove to Faimafili Village Resort with their three young children to spend the afternoon.

But they couldn’t find an open spot given that the beach was packed that day.

Many other nearby hot spots were also jammed with people celebrating the new year.

 “We usually go to Tafatafa beach but it was too far of a ride and it was late so we stopped at Faimafili Village resort hoping to spend the afternoon there,” June explained.

The beach was so packed all the fales had been taken and beach goers had resorted to using the trees in the area to provide shade and cover.

 “So we had no choice but to try the next beach, Matareva,” George said.

When they arrived, Matareva Beach was just as crowded. All the fales had also been taken.

But they decided to settle under a tree.

 “It was not long after we settled and I was walking back to our car that I ran into our relatives from Mulifanua who were looking for a spot to park,” Mrs. Finau explained.

June’s cousin, Joyce Taimalelagi Tiatia and husband, Savea Tiatia had also headed to the beach to escape the hot weather and spend some family quality time.

So together with their seven kids, they joined the Finaus. And all had a wonderful time.

 “It’s not every day that we get to spend time together with family and when we do it is best to make the most of it,” June said.

“We were all happy to see my cousin (June Finau) and her family. I am pretty glad they did not decide to stay at Faimafili otherwise we wouldn’t have had twice as much fun.”

By Yolanda Lavata’i 03 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>