Sorry for the delay in stories from Samoa!
It's been hard to get back into the swing of things; still in Island mode I guess :)
Wow. Where to start?!
It was so amazing. Every part of it. The effect of it hit me after I got back to Australia. The whole experience was just unforgettable. The people are so warm and welcoming, and so happy! I had the idea that Samoa was like Hawaii, but it isn't so Western influenced and still has a lot of it's own culture. It's also considered a 3rd world country- it's the first time I've been in a 3rd world country (that I can remember anyway), and at first it was a little weird- like realizing that the little huts on the side of the roads are actually fruit and veggie stands and that there aren't really any markets or shops (until you get into town), but after a while it became just accepted and I loved it! The island takes 3 hrs to go around, about 35-40 minutes to go from one side to the other. The Temple is situated close to the Northern part of the island, closer to Apia. The island has one road with two lanes that circles the whole island with 2 cross streets, and they just got their first traffic lights about 4 months ago :) What was amazing to me was that everyone knew what Baha'i was, that no matter who you talked to they knew about the Temple- such a great influence it can have on that island- being that the late King was also a Baha'i, it could do so much. Just the mere fact that so many people knew about the Faith was mind-blowing because in most all countries, no one knows about the Faith, but Samoa was totally different!
These posts will be in segments, so I'll talk about the House of Worship first!
It's embedded in a sea of greenery. The landscaping is absolutely amazing- it reminded me of the Baha'i Shrines in Haifa, Israel- very organized and systematic in its design. The land is utilized to it's fullest , and uses the native plants and flowers to really “decorate”. The birds that sing around the Temple are so soothing and islander-y :) What amazed me about the landscape was how beautiful it was and how professional it was because it's such a small community there. It's so lush there, such an intense green, bright and intense but warm. I loved sitting in the Temple and looking out through the glass doors of the Temple and just seeing the amazing landscape and green. So beautiful! Words and pictures can't do it justice.
I'll have to do my trip in a couple entries, but as a taste, you should know that my first day in Samoa was a was a day of firsts:
1. first time seeing/going/being in a waterfall (freshwater too)
2. first time having a coconut (juice and flesh)
3. first time being on a boat
4. first time snorkeling
5. and first time sitting in the back of a truck
It was such an amazing trip. Check back soon for the next installment of stories :)
2 comments:
I want to go! :)
You went to Samoa! I have this huge map on the wall of my apartment and every time I’m reminded of where you are I glance at it feel like you’re not that far away. It may be thousands of mils but it’s only a few inches on my map. Hehe!
AAhhh! So many firsts! Such amazing experiences. The lushes greenery and nature must be so beautiful. I wish I could see it with you!
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