Day 5 (March 10, 2025): A 200km circumnavigation of Upolu

After yesterday‘s rain, we were excited to get up early, have breakfast, and do the contract with Hertz for our rental car so that we could get on the road. The Hertz agent came to the hotel, which was very convenient, and after resolving a bit of an issue related to the rate, we hit the road at 9:40 AM. Starting from our hotel in the north west corner of Upolu, We did a counterclockwise circumnavigation of the island, completing 200 km. Now, you might not think 200 km in a day is a lot. But it’s important to understand that the road around the island is very narrow, rough in places, And passes from one village to the next in what seems like a nonstop progression. On the upside, it’s a great way to see the workings and life of typical Samoan villages. On the downside, if you get behind a slow moving vehicle, you don’t make much progress.

We made it back to the hotel just after 5 PM. It was a full day, and we saw a lot, so we are really happy to have done the road trek. But it was quite tiring, at the same time.






Churches

When the day was over, we had a chat to try and estimate how many churches we had seen on our day-long road trip. We both agreed that we easily saw at least 200. I have never seen so many churches in a place in my life. Catholic, Methodist, seventh day Adventist, you name it. Here is a sampling. From small to massive, from modern to very old, it is quite an eclectic collection.













The Samoan Fale

The traditional Samoan fale is a traditional house or dwelling that has been used by the Samoan people for centuries.The fale serves as a multi-purpose space and is used for various activities such as sleeping, cooking, socializing, and traditional ceremonies. It is also a place where community meetings, cultural events, and gatherings take place.


The Samoan fale is not just a physical structure but also holds deep cultural and social significance for the Samoan people. It represents their connection to the land, their traditional way of life, and their sense of community and hospitality. Despite modernization and the use of modern building materials, the traditional Samoan falecontinues to be an important symbol of Samoan identity and culture.









Beach Fale

Every village has small Fale on their local beaches that can be rented. Some are very rustic, while others are fancier. Here are some examples. 





Lining the Road








Clam Sanctuary






King Charles in Samoa!







HMSNZ Manuwanui Wreck











To Sua Ocean Trench







Falls










Storm damage




Tombs







Miscellaneous 






































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