Article brings back so many memories

Dear Editor,

Re: Memories of the incomparable Aggie Grey

Growing up in Apia, I recall so many fond memories of the place. 

During Fautasi race, parades or marathons, the place to capture all was on the curbside in front of Aggie Grey’s Hotel. While Mulinu’u is our heritage hollow grounds, the Vaisigano Bridge and Aggie Grey’s hotel is where all events begin. In some cases, it is where it ends too.

I recalled the times before they installed that so called power station over Loto Samasoni, the water streaming down towards the ocean was so clear and clean. We used to swim across the river towards Aggie Grey’s property fence and back across as part of a “I dare you” game.

As a hotel that was fully occupied all the time, Sunday morning was as quiet as a mouse as we walked to church past the hotel. She ensured her guests respect our way of life, especially Sunday mornings.

I met her on so many occasions and she would have the same smile.

Nothing seems to bother her. If there was anything that bothered her at all, you would never know it. That was one of her greatest assets and gifts.

She was proud of our Samoa. She was the essence of who we are. In some ways, I consider her “The Mother Of Samoa”.

With today’s corporate world taking over as much properties as they can fix their name on or partner with, I am saddened to see the name change. 

It is the world we live in but this place will always be known as “AGGIE GREY’S.”

T. Samatua Leone

Samoa Observer

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