SAVAII….THE PLACE TO BE
By: Asenati Taugasolo Semu
Born and raised in Sydney Australia, Mrs. Elizabeth Siaosi never imagined that she would live in Savaii, and that her children will speak Samoan and she will join the women’s village activities.
As the Manager of the Amoa Resort at Faga, Elizabeth who made Samoa her home ten years ago, said Savaii opened her eyes to beautiful things in life that include the culture, family and community life.
“I now live in my adopted home of Savaii, but I’m originally from Sydney Australia,” said Elizabeth.
“Savaii is the place to be and everything is here. We have internet, we have organic food which is unaffordable overseas; we have fresh fish from the ocean and (Samoan) cocoa. I am now a serious cocoa drinker.”
Elizabeth said she had worked in the tourism industry in Australia, and had extended her experience to the tranquil and unique settings of Amoa Resort.
“When I got here, Savaii really opened my eyes to what a beautiful place Samoa is. I was in the tourism industry in Sydney so I could see the potential here for the tourism industry to grow for its beauty and uniqueness.
“Many people asked me, that it must be hard to live in Savaii but it’s quite the opposite. This is the way life should be.”
The unique community life in Samoa also inspire Elizabeth more.
“I learned to be a Samoan and I grew as a person. I learned from my family and neighbors on how to be a mother. I look at the most important things in life and it’s not money.”
Elizabeth said as a child, she had a lot of exposure to the Samoan culture from her Samoan father, in terms of family and gatherings.
“When I grew up I felt that to be happy as an adult, I want to explore more and know more about the Samoan culture.
“My dad always told us stories of Samoa that was somewhat exotic. I see Fiji and Hawaii on TV all the time I asked, hey dad is that what Samoa is like?, and he will say yes.”
Elizabeth said her father’s family is from Falefa village and the famous waterfall used to be his playground.
“He told me that he roamed the family land when he was a kid, and his family had mangoes and papayas. He is from Falefa so he had the waterfall as his playground and it was something that planted the seed that I always wanted to experience and come to Samoa.”
Elizabeth came to Samoa in 2009, and not only that she felt in love with the culture but she also met the love of her life here, got married and have three children.
“We now have three children, and they all speak in Samoan which is amazing to my family and my father. They are learning a lot of things that they could not learn overseas.
“They are learning about respect for others, helping out their mom and dad, and have faith in their lives.”
Life in Savaii can be a challenge, but like many Samoan families, Elizabeth said her family raise a pig farm, and have a taro plantation.
“A holiday to Savaii forces you to look at your own life and wonder, “what are we doing wrong.”
Elizabeth was also asked about her thoughts of the COVIT 19 and how it impacts the local tourism industry.
“This is an unforeseen situation and as a tourism business we are dealing day by day with the basis of how to operate. But us as business people we would rather be safe as a country.
“We support the Government with what they have done. Savaiians are the most resilient.
“Everyone when the pandemic strikes say they will go grow their own plantation and grow food for food security.”
She also promoted Amoa resort for our local people to experience and enjoy its hospitality.
“We are still pretty much the Savaii that you expect, we are authentic. Our family structure is here at our village and our hotel. You don’t have to go far. You walk out the door and it’s there.
“If people want a bit of comfort then Amoa is here and we know that people want to know how to experience relaxation when they go on holiday and that’s what we are here for.”
Amoa resort have a range of accommodation and at the moment, have 15 rooms.
The resort also cater for family reunions and family gatherings, and also for customers who wants to have a meetings in Savaii.
