Paradise

Last night I carried a Western Samoan woman, around my age, from the Airport to her home. Being a big woman (those Polynesians love their tucker) she wisely sat up front. Her large yet quiet presence next to me exuded an air of intoxicating tranquillity, rendering unnecessary any nervous need for conversation. It was perfect as we were both weary, content with the long periods of easy silence.

Otherwise we chatted sporadically on the hour journey. About the homeland she’d left seventeen years ago plus her two children raised in Sydney, now married off. Another thing, Polynesian families really look after each other. She related how on Mother’s Day her children presented her with surprise air tickets (‘eh’), for a New Zealand holiday with relatives. When I remarked, ‘that’s sounds wonderful’, she just beamed with pride, no words needed.

Eventually she intends returning home to see out her days in the house and village where she was raised. It was easy imagining her sitting on a beach with the local women, chatting, laughing, weaving baskets, preparing food whilst the grandchildren played around them.

Has anyone been to the Polynesian Islands ? Is this how it is or have I a simplistic notion of the place ? Whatever, it’s a place I really want to visit. Sounds like paradise.

Comments

[Herman8]

I haven't been there, but just reading that post put me in a good mood.

Cheers!

[Belongum]

Adrian... I think the picture your painting is one that lies in the eye of the beholder - that is, it's true for the person presenting such a picture - as this is how they see it.

I've never been there as such - but I've been to plenty of Islands and Communities where a similar picture has been presented. It's always the same on reflection... idylic, peaceful, warm loving etc... until reality kicks in eh - but when you're looking to have fond memories of a place (or retain those good one's you've kept from your past), you don't necessarily want to see anything but the romantic picture of a place now - do ya?!

Wonder how Tonga's being viewed right now mate?

Hmmmm... ;-)

[clarky]

I've spent a couple of weeks in a tiny village in Samoa and one week in a remote island way south of the Fijian mainland. It is pretty much as you have described it. Beautiful beaches, village life. I remeber seeing about 30 or so pre-school kids walking along a beach and all waving to us on the way home from school.
Very laid back.

Love ur bolg