Kiwis, John and Raewyn Lamond, are amazed with what Samoa has had to offer them as tourists.

 “It’s very beautiful, very pretty. I think it’s prettier than Fiji and Tonga,” Raewyn told the Dear Tourist team. 

The elderly couple flew into Samoa to celebrate Raewyn’s 72nd birthday and they have been staying at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

 “Yesterday we did a tour of the south side. We had lunch at a beautiful beach fale and also, both of us at the ages of 78 and 72, climbed down the slippery ladder into the trench and the back up again,” Raewyn proudly said.

The couple spoke of their swimming adventures with the fishes at Piula Cave Pool, their visit to the Robert Louis Stevenson house at Vailima and the flea market.

“It was absolutely beautiful and a lovely experience, we enjoyed the beauty of it but just the knowledge that the guide has, she was really great.

“It was very wet when we went to the market the other day. I think there was more rain coming through the roof than there was outside,” laughed John. 

They were also very impressed with the richness of the culture and religion in Samoa. 

“We love that Samoa is founded on God,” said Raewyn.

“We also love that there is still discipline within the communities with the younger generation; that’s something we need to get back into in New Zealand,” added John.

Amanaki restaurant was the couple’s top recommendation for a dinner spot, claiming it was good value for money.

Although their trip has been great, they are looking forward to returning to New Zealand.

“We’ve enjoyed this but when you’ve been away for a week or more, you’re just keen to get back home again. But we have really enjoyed it.”

They have been married for about 20 years. They have six children and 13 grandchildren.