Melbourne couple enjoying delights of Samoa

By Yolanda Lavata’i 11 January 2019, 12:00AM

What started as a casual conversation on Samoa 28 years ago has brought a woman back to the shores of this island paradise.

Australian couple Foto Partsch and Michele Partsch have been in Samoa since December 29, and fly back to Melbourne tomorrow, after basking in the sights and sounds of Samoa.

They initially met at a reggae concert in Australia 28 years ago, and a casual conversation on Samoa and what the island meant to each of them laid the foundations for their marriage.

Mr. Partsch has Samoan heritage while his wife Michele last visited the island when she was 12-years-old, when her father was in the navy.

“The first time we met, I told him (Foto) that I have been to Samoa before and he did not believe me. 

This is the first time we have come to Samoa since we have gotten married and I love it.

“It is not so busy the driving is not as busy as Melbourne. It is just calm, and people are nice and patient,” she said.

For her husband Foto, he is enjoying the beauty of the island and relaxation it provides. 

“It is very different here than it is back home. The weather is amazing and the food is better than it was back then,” he said. 

Since they arrived they have visited all of Samoa’s tourist attractions and ate at the popular cafés and restaurants. 

“We have tried just about all the places here. The restaurants and cafés are all spectacular, my favorite food here is most definitely the oka,” Michele said.

They also visited her husband’s village and family in Saleimoa and Lotopa.

“His family attended our wedding and we were able to visit his sister-in-law while on our visit,” she added.

The couple has two sons Jayden and Kyall and Mr. Partsch last visited with his son Jayden. 

“He loved it, the culture and the natural greenery. I know my wife does too, but too bad we have to get back to Australia,” he said. 

Mrs. Partsch said she did not want to return to Australia as she loves Samoa. 

“I just think this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. In Australia in summer it’s brown and dry. But here, everything is green, and beautiful. I just love everything. I can cope with the weather,” she added.

By Yolanda Lavata’i 11 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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