A ‘new home’ for Maliana Singh

By Nefertiti Matatia 23 January 2018, 12:00AM

The heart of the Pacific has fashioned a home for Maliana Singh. 

Growing up in a luxurious, yet fast life, in Wellington, New Zealand, the 18-year-old has been here for the fourth time.

She was blown away by the influence of family in Samoa, that despite the struggle they encounter daily, they are able to be so kind.

“I have learnt every time I come the Samoan people value their families,” she said. 

“Seeing local people makes me more grateful whenever I go back home. It is the little things such as the people here, like how much they earn and also the people that I see on the streets, I just feel so bad. They are always so welcoming with open arms.”

The highlight of her trip would be the tropical weather. And the Lalomanu beach is something that she will miss the most.

“It is more relaxed here in Samoa, it is like mellowed out.” 

“Wellington is fast, the weather and the people are different. The Samoan people are really nice and welcoming unlike in wellington. I will miss the weather,” she added.

She has been in Samoa for four weeks and she told the Dear Tourist team that the more times she visits Samoa, the more western it becomes.

This is the first trip where they came without her mother, but Maliana is certain that this is her mother’s favourite destination. 

“My mother couldn’t make it on this trip because she’s working, but I came with my dad and it’s his first time here.” 

“My mum always used to come with us since she loves Samoa, but this time she didn’t come. She is planning to move to Samoa when my younger brother finishes college since he is very attached to her.”

This free spirited young lady had the opportunity to live in India for three years because her father is from there and she has been part of the culture as well, which is why Samoa has instilled in her a life lesson to always appreciate family.

“I have lived in Sirsa, which is an eight-hour drive from the capital city of India with my parents and siblings.” 

“In India, the girls get sent over to marry someone that they don’t even know, my first cousins got married and I don’t understand how they could let that happen. The girls are not allowed to go anywhere, they have to stay home and cook for their husbands, they can’t have friends.”

By Nefertiti Matatia 23 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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