**Apia, Western Samoa

We are now half way between Hawaii and Australia.



The currency is the Samoan Tala, WST. I had some US currency converted as I like to collect small currency from all the places we visit. Don't know why because it all gets mixed together and then I can't tell where it is from. We docked in Apia, the capital of Samoa.

Another hot humid day was in store for us today. As we got on our tour bus, it started to rain. I did not have a jacket or umbrella and started to think I should have known better and started to red the tour. On board each person was given a flower lei and the guide told us the rain it a good sign! It is a 'morning blessing' she proclaimed! Then she started to teach us the island chant. When ever she clapped and said "Hey! Hey!" we had to respond "Ho!" She took our mind off the rain. OK, I feel better now.

 This is the island where I fell in love with Samoan men. My goodness when they do the Samoan dances, what's not to love? We ventured off to visit a cultural center. and school.  Boys who have lost their way, or who have social issues come here to go to school where they are loved, and taught a trade. - The priest who runs the place says they make a big difference in he lives of these boys. As our bus turned into a driveway there was a long row of palm trees and at each palm tree a young man was standing and welcoming us with a warm smile and a welcome. The ceremony started with prayer and we all stood for the national anthem. The boys performed several dances which is hard to explain ... it is a lot of slapping, kind of warrior like, and all were in sync. There was a kava ceremony.

 


At the end of the day, as our tour bus traveled down the same drive way all the boys (men) stood by the palm trees and lined the brick fences once again waving, blowing kisses and saying Good Bye and Come Again. Well done. I was impressed. Fun.