Frequent traveller and avid sightseer, Louisa Feix, touched down in Samoa yesterday.
The first thing the 25-year-old from France noticed was the heat and humidity.
“I’m just trying to adjust to the weather, it’s so warm,” she said while still respectfully covered.
She highlighted the importance of respecting the traditional culture that Samoa is so famous for.
Dressing in a traditional manner is part of the “authentic experience” that the island has to offer, and a feature that must be maintained.
Hectic life back home seems to slip away as she embraces all that the island has to offer.
The atmosphere alone is worth a visit to the country.
“Everything just seems so easy here and the people are so relaxed,” she said.
She was completely absorbed in the culture, finding the pace of life much slower.
Louisa plans to travel around the entire island, eager not to miss any of the local sights or food during her two week stop in Samoa.
“I’m yet to try so much, but what I’ve already tried, I’ve loved, especially the oka (raw fish in coconut cream,” she said excitedly, and would definitely recommend both.
The freshness of the local produce all adds the “authenticity of the country”.
As a Pacific island, Samoa has a lot to live up to.
Louisa was however impressed by the “the palm trees and beautiful beaches”, the sight of which conjures up the traditional image of a Pacific country.
“Once you get out onto the beaches and into the valleys, it is so easy to relax”.
Doubtless, travelling alone can often be a very daunting concept, however, for Louisa the friendly people made her feel at home.
Samoa is renowned worldwide for its hospitality and the reassurance that it’s a safe place for travellers continues to draw tourists in.