“I feel like part of the family!”

By Emily Dunn 10 June 2017, 12:00AM

Julie Fechter is simply in love with Samoa. 

During a five-week visit en-route to Tonga to swim with the humpback whales, Fechter, aged 30, found the relaxing environment sensational and “exactly what you need.” 

She couldn’t keep it to herself.

So much so, that friend Susan Adams, aged 31, travelled from Seattle, United States of America to experience the island for herself. 

 “It’s beautiful and it’s everything you would imagine a tropical island to be,” said Susan, having recently arrived in Samoa. 

Both have found the warm-hearted people a refreshing change as Susan describes the welcome she received from the locals previous even to touching down on the island. 

“Before I even landed, the lady on the next aisle, who lives here in Samoa offered me a place to stay.” 

Overwhelming generosity continued to greet them at the Vaiula Beach Fales on the south coast of Upolu. 

Dining with the family each night on local produce cooked in the traditional Samoan manner, the pair were enthralled by the rare cultural experiences and the exceptional show of hospitality. “Everybody is much friendlier here,” Julie agreed.

“We eat a lot of taro, and after a month I’m really starting to enjoy it.”

Julie adding that a trip she took to Hawaii put her off the food but her appetite for taro has been restored by flavoursome Samoan cooking. 

 Travelling alone, Julie much prefers a relaxing dip in a cool waterfall than a visit to one of Samoa’s vibrant clubs and bars: Samoa caters for all interests. 

 “The waterfalls and natural things” are great places to cool off because “you can jump right in.” 

Sharing images on social media, Julie and Susan plan to spread the word that Samoa is the “budget friendly” place to be!

By Emily Dunn 10 June 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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