New Zealanders enjoy “stay-cation” at Taumeasina

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 13 February 2018, 12:00AM

Enjoying one final brunch at the Taumeasina Island Resort were Linda O’dea and Susan Weeber of New Zealand.

The two friends were preparing to head back to New Zealand yesterday afternoon after quite the eventful weekend.

“We’ve been here since Thursday last week,” said Linda. “So we came just before the cyclone started.”

Dear Tourist asked for their thoughts on their first experience with a tropical cyclone. 

“It was interesting,” Linda laughed.

“No, it was good, we had no problems at all, and our rooms were fine. We were quite sheltered so you know no problems at all.”

Susan and Linda spent most of the weekend indoors but didn’t mind because they felt safe.

“We went into Apia on the first day on Friday morning and then it started really raining so we came back and that’s as far as we got really,” said Linda. 

“So we just walked around and got rained on and sunned on.  But you know it’s still an adventure and it’s just been wonderful. It’s been nice and relaxing.”

“We were very lucky, we were well looked after and we got notifications of things which made us much more secure,” added Susan.

Linda explained their visit to Samoa came through as an unexpected gift from her son and his partner.

“My son and his partner bought a new house in Christchurch and they bought it through Kiwibank and Kiwibank was giving vouchers to come here with the accommodation all paid for, so we only just had to pay for our drinks and food.  So they gave it to us so that was really nice.”

“I was texting my son and telling them about the cyclone and what was going on and there were some unusual quips coming back like the cyclone just being a another southerly, nothing to worry about,” she laughed.

After spending five days here during the most eventful part of Tropical Cyclone Gita, the ladies were already thinking of returning during the dry season.

“We will definitely come back, when the weather is better. We found lots of lovely friendly people here,” said Linda. 

“Next time we come, we hope the weather is a bit better so we can get around and see things. We missed out doing a few things and getting around the island but next time.”

Their indoor “stay-cation” was made enjoyable by the staff and facilities of the Taumeasina Island Resort. 

“Our accommodation was brilliant,” said Linda. “It was really good. We had a twin room; everything we needed was there. It was just nice. Most definitely would stay here again. My favourite part would have to be the pools, the pools and the pools. Just having all this surrounding water is wonderful. It’s got a lot going for this place and part of it is the people.”

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 13 February 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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