Friends loving their island time

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 23 December 2017, 12:00AM

A pair of friends from New Zealand are loving their time in Samoa.

Natalia Gounder and Charlene Mataia arrived this week and will spend Christmas here. 

Dear Tourist caught up with them enjoying their afternoon at the side of the pool at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

Charlene she grew up here and she is delighted to be back. Natalia is a first time visitor. 

 “I haven’t been back in 10 years and so I told my friend to come with me and that is why we are here,” Charlene said. 

“A lot has changed I guess and nothing is the same.

“There are more cars, tall buildings and I’m actually scared to be on the road because it’s busy.

“But its home and it’s beautiful.”

Ms. Gounder echoed Sharlene’s thoughts.

“Samoa is very beautiful but it’s hot too but it’s just normal I guess,” she told Dear Tourist.

“It’s such a lovely place and the people are genuine. I wanted to see this beautiful island because my friend here is Samoan so it’s great.

“The people are genuine they always say hi and if you get lost or in need of help the people are there to help whether you are family or not.

“That’s something you don’t get in New Zealand you are always scared to walk by yourself at night but here it’s free and you just feel safe.”

The duo will spend 12 days in Samoa.

“I want to explore more of Samoa and it would be good too because I want to see more of Samoa in terms of culture and tradition,” she said.

“I hope to learn a lot from this trip because it is such a relax place to be and it’s the perfect get away place during this time of the year.

“We will definitely come back to this.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 23 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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