Tropical Cyclone Evan

TC Evan is approaching Samoa. It is currently very grey and rainy here. The wind has not got up much yet but it may do as Evan reaches Savaii, does a complete right turn over Samoa, and heads back where it came from. USP Graduation is supposed to be Friday morning so we will see how that pans out! You can track the cyclone here on the very informative Fiji Met Service site

www.met.gov.fj/aifs_prods/Evan%20Threat%20Map%20(1).png

Christmas in Samoa

This will be our first Christmas in Samoa since we moved here. When we first came over 4 years ago you would not have known Christmas was approaching but now there are decorations and trees up and flashing lights plus Christmas ads on the radio and TV. I guess the commercialism has finally reached the rock! Well our tree is up, we have collected a few presents already and now just need to figure out what to make for Christmas lunch. Less of a ham and turkey and more of what will actually be available at the supermarket!

Plantation House - Teddy Bears

Plantation House in Samoa is the home of the best High Tea available in Samoa!  It's the place to go to relax in the tranquil fale setting surrounded by beautiful gardens.  High Teas are served every Wednesday from 3pm in the afternoon and it pays to book if you plan to go along.  Marita is the creator of fabulous scones with lemon curd, tasty morsels of quiche and sandwiches and yummy sweet delights.  Of course a selection of teas are also on offer.

And now in the gift shop, which hosts an ever increasing array of wonderful Samoan souvenirs and crafts, are "Made by Angela Jowitt" elei fabric Teddy Bears!

Samoa’s 50 Years of Independence

June 1^st marked 50 years of Independence for Samoa. (Actually, the independence date was 1 January 1962, but the Independence Day celebrations and holiday are held on  June 1^st each year). 

As you can imagine, this was a pretty big event for the country.  There were plenty of events organised and lots of visitors came to join in the celebrations including many dignitaries from around the world.    

In the week leading up to the big day there was quite a buzz around town. Everyone was busy putting up flags and decorations, painting fences, buildings etc and making other efforts to make Apia look good. A bonus for us was the sudden urgency to get all the roads around town re-surfaced, so no more potholes for now! And the big clean up effort has the town looking cleaner than usual.  

Because it was the 50 year anniversary everything seemed to be bigger, with more people involved. The upside of this was instead of our usual Independence Day holiday, we got 3 days public holiday so a 5 day weekend!  

Angela was away in Adelaide on June 1^st, but after she got back we managed to check out some of the cultural performances. There are plenty of photos on flickr, so check them out.  

I ran in the Independence 10km fun run again. I came in 5th overall and second in the 'veterans' division, only 6 seconds behind the leading vet, but 3 minutes quicker than last year. (In this event once you are over 40 you are considered to be a veteran!). 

Staff and students of USP Alafua practice for the 50th anniversary march

NZSS Timaru 2012

Jona (Fiji) and I




Umpiring



With Kate my room mate and the finals umpire (hoping some of that will rub off!)



Umpires

NZSS Timaru 2012

Myron trying to grow taller. Maybe I should try this tactic?

Apia Community Group new Website

Talofa lava everyone

Apia Community Group have now launched a new Website.  This is a great place to go for more information on Apia, events held here and for general information.  They also have monthly newsletters which are very informative.  Check it out here http://apiacommunitygroup.com