Live like a Local, SAMOA
Airing Date: Oct 28th, 2002
Eight and a half hours' flight from Sydney, Saleapaga is a place where everything is done the Samoan way and everyone who visits cant help but feel like they belong.
Boomerang Creek Beach Resort in Saleapaga follows numerous Samoan traditions.
Its also where Steve Harrison, the resorts owner and a Mataii or village chief grew up. A Mataii has certain ceremonial duties and its not unusual for these occasions to involve the local brew known as Kava.
Apart from involvement in official ceremonies Kava can also be found at the local markets or fia fia nights, which are singing and feasting affairs. While Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage, it does have a strong kick, so first time drinkers should take it easy.
Kirikiti is Samoas national game. It's a bit like cricket, but there are a few differences. There are no restrictions on team numbers, no umpire, and the bat has three sides. The large number of fielders ensures that batters dont last long and the game only stops when the ball gets lost.
Every Samoan woman knows how to make a variety of mats - floor mats, sleeping mats and mats for special occasions. From the age of five girls learn how to weave pandanus leaves and they do it all day, everyday. Samoan women generally gather with fellow villagers and family members to do the weaving, so its quite a social affair.
Weaving is a time consuming task, but a swim at the sandy beaches is a welcome break. After relaxing by the water, it's time to prepare dinner, which involves stocking up an Umu.
An Umu is a traditional Polynesian earth oven. The men are in charge of the Umu, which is built above ground so the cooks can keep an eye on their creations.
After the fire dies down the rocks underneath are hot enough to cook the food. Just about anything can go into an Umu and while the food tastes fantastic, the real fun comes later. Fia fia nights are all about singing, dancing and eating as much as you possibly can. At Boomerang Creek, half the family is in on the act. Be prepared to join in because theres plenty of audience participation.
All Samoan resorts and hotels run fia fia nights. At Boomerang Creek Resort, dinner and the show costs just $17. Dancing to the beat of the Saleapaga village is hugely entertaining and a great introduction to the Samoan way of life.
After all the dancing, the perfect Samoan indulgence is a Fofo, or Samoan massage, which cost just $11 for half an hour.
The facts:
Air New Zealand flies to Samoa four times a week. Prices start from $1061 ex Sydney and $1641 ex Perth.
Air New Zealand
Tel: 1300 365 525
We stayed in the beach fales at Boomerang Creek Resort where prices start from $22 per person, which includes a private bathroom and breakfast. The resort also has a licensed bar and restaurant.
Boomerang Creek Beach Resort
Tel: 0011 685 40358 (international)
Samoa Visitors Bureau
Tel: 02 9824 5050
