Our first week in Samoa

This first week has been a bit learning experience for us. While I have been going to work Adam has been sussing out the supermarkets and shops. Unlike at home you can’t get everything you need in 1 place so you have to know where to go for what. Consequently we have been eating a bit of what resembles cat food out of a tin this week! Not too appetising! We have been reduced to what they sell at the supermarket just up the road. We dared to try the tinned Corned Beef and I’m sorry to say it’s not to be recommended. Nothing like Mum’s that’s for sure. It is full of fat that goes through the whole cut of beef in the tin. On the TV they show you frying it up which at least makes it look better as the fat dissolves but it still doesn’t taste that great. Once was enough for us. Later on in the week though we have managed to make some more normal meals such as tuna pasta and salad and have even dared to try some beef strips and mince from “Farmer Joes” one of the big supermarkets in town. We have had 1 stir fry and tonight Spaghetti with a side of Broccoli (my favourite). Would you believe though that the broccoli cost the equivalent of $NZ10!!!!!!!!! It was imported. Oh well don’t suppose I will be having that very often. One of my colleagues at work informed me today that Taro and Bananas are the staples that go with everything for a meal in Samoa. I’ve yet to try that. There are also huge markets for fruit and veges and fish down town so we will have to make a habit of going there. I was pleased to find lettuce and tomatoes at the market so we can still make salads.

This week we have had a few rainy days. I love the rain on the tin roof. As the louver windows are always open to let in the breeze you can hear the rain dripping outside. It rains with huge splotchy drops here but it is still very warm. The trees, grass and plants are a lush green as a consequence. When it is not raining the skies are a clear blue and the sun beats down with temperatures in the early 30’s. Palagi’s like me need to seek shade to avoid passing out! Another point with the louver windows though is that you can hear everything that’s going on outside and with your neighbours. This can be dogs fighting, babies crying, stereos and TV. The first few nights I really noticed the crickets chirping and in the mornings it was like living in an aviary only we were the caged animals!

We have also already experienced a power blackout. Things were pitch black while we scrambled around looking for our phones with a built in torch. As we didn’t’ know how long it was going to last for we walked up to the local shop to buy some candles and matches but ….. you guessed it, the moment we got these lit the power came back on!