Andrew Kerrison, who used to live in Samoa in the 1980s, has returned to find a lot of changes to the island nation he once called home.

Mr. Kerrison is back with his family and siblings who are staying at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, enjoying every bit of their stay.

The purpose of this visit is for their mother’s 70th birthday; an occasion they wanted to return to celebrate in Samoa.

“For some of my family, this is their first time here in Samoa,” he said. 

“I wanted to show them Samoa, where we grew up from and went to school. I was 9 to 12 years when I went to school here and I have to be honest it was quite lovely and I loved it.”

Mr. Kerrison remembers his time at Leifi’ifi Intermediate and Apia Primary.

“I can remember going home by the river every day and going for a swim. 

“Going to places like the sliding rocks and the ocean trench reminds me of where we used to go to when we were kids, so coming back here and experiencing the island again is amazing.”

The family has been travelling around the island and they have visited other places like the Piula Cave Pool, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the markets.

Mr. Kerrison added that he loves the local banana pancakes.

Asked if there is anything that could be improved, he said he would like to see some of the prices for goods sold in Samoa a lot cheaper.