Weaving - Lalaga in Samoa...

 

I can almost not believe it! In an earlier blog this week, I spoke about learning to weave a mat or fala from my mum, and I've been so busy working on it that it's almost finished!

This is a dream come true for me in December of 2024, in that I'm able to tick off that I can now say that I've learnt to weave a skill that was passed from my great grandma Eleni (namesake), to my mum, in Samoa, and now I'm able to do it as well.

The sides were a little hard to figure out as there's a special way of weaving it out, and also, the corners are a little' tricky for a novice like me, but I'm still in disbelief that I've finally been able to learn it.

It would have been the basic pattern for making the sails of the early canoes. I know it's stretching it a bit, but I see and feel a generational echo that I've wanted to know for a long time.

I first learned to weave from watching a demonstration of making Māori putiputi or woven flowers when I worked as a lecturer/teacher at AUT (Auckland University of Technology) in 2006 - 2009 on a community project. I then tried it and enjoyed it so much, but I wanted to learn how to weave Samoan styles.

My mother was a very good weaver, but because we didn't have the products, i.e. the pandanus, I bought some and took them home to Auckland with me, but I was just too busy with so many projects, work, church and family life that I didn't quite get to it.

But then, in returning to Samoa with my last week to go (a few days), I decided to boldly ask my mum to show me how to do it, and the rest is history. I must also thank the ladies who taught me when I was on the Measina workshops in 2020 - 2021 as the basics I had retained in memory, and now I'm ready to tackle making a small 'iē Toga or woven mat that originated from Tonga.

I only have a couple of days left before flying back home, but I'm really going to try and finish it, as it's been such a blessing to finally succeed in something I've wanted to learn for years. It's also neat to think that it's never too late to learn a new skill, and I've also wanted to experiment with making hats and fans. 

Roll on 2025 as I have a countdown with my family over Messenger with those in New Zealand. Afterwards, we plan on continuing the celebrations with pain popo (coconut buns), a New Year's chocolate mud cake and a puligi or steamed pudding after midnight. However, if I'm not up to midnight eating, there's always the new year tomorrow for continuing the festivities and celebrations...

Samoa 10 years later...

 

Samoa has been full of surprises lately in bringing my youngest sister, who has been absent from Samoa for over 10 years, and she's noticed some changes with some developments, too.

One is the abundance of plastics that have replaced glass, which used to be the norm. I also remember bottled drinks rather than plastics that now add to plastic pollution, which is rather harder to recycle and easier to throw away.

However, one of the things she's really enjoyed at the local markets has been the fresh produce and tropical fruits that we can't easily find in NZ except sometimes at the Chinese markets.

Take, for example, these lichee that I have only just discovered through her as I think they came from imported seeds and are now easily grown in Samoa.

I still can't get over their alien-looking appearance on the outside, but when you peel off the thick outer layer, there is a membrane-like egg that is the delicious fruit with its unique taste and a thick seed in the centre. 

It costs about SAT$5 (Samoa Tala) for a bundle of 5-6 fruits at the markets, but it is definitely worth it with its delicate taste. We also brought some dragonfruit, and my mum's favourite - sea grapes. These are little green, tasty, and tiny grape-like fruits that are harvested from the ocean. Yum! Never a dull moment...

Apia Markets and meet ups...

Went to the markets in Apia with my family, leaving Fasito'o-uta at about 10 am. We first made a quick pit stop at our friendly Vodafone Internet store to buy more data before leaving Samoa.

Afterwards, we went to the markets and picked up some gifts for family and friends in Samoa. The going rate for a printed dress is about SAT$120 (Samoa Tala) for my elder two, who are house-sitting. I also bought earrings and some printed lavalava material with some beautiful colours.

We then made a beeline for the fruits and veggies section of the market. It was filled with delectable tropical fruit, and my Lil sis picked up some lychee (the first time I've ever tried it), some dragonfruit, pineapple and soursop, which tastes a little different.

I'd recommend the markets in Apia to any travellers to Samoa. In fact, it was so funny to meet a colleague and then at the same time to meet my cousin from Melbourne whom I didn't at first recognise because he was wearing sunglasses. I remember seeing him mid-year at the Melbourne airport, and then to see him again was a real bonus. 

I will now visit his mum, my auntie, who was in her late 80s and one of my late dad's elder sisters (he had many). I can never stop bumping into my many relatives as I visit various places. Sadly, on our way home, we went to visit our fave 'oka (raw fish with coconut cream cuisine) but was told that the boys who work on the boat were on holiday. Oh well, we can try again next year because that's when they start up...
 

Weaving a fala (mat) in Samoa...

Yes, this is me weaving at our house in Fasito'o-uta, Samoa. Earlier this year, when we were in Samoa, I got the itch to weave, and one of our neighbours came over and started teaching me, but I completely forgot about it when I returned at the end of the year.

The reason was probably because I was observing her rather than trying it myself. This year, however, I asked my mum if she could show me as I had given it a go a couple of years when I was a part of the measina workshops at our Samoan bilingual early childhood centre (which has since closed).

This time, not only did I pay attention, but I gave it a go and started working it line by line. It's a really interesting process because not only did I have to weave to make it larger, but I also needed to lengthen the strands of pandanus by adding new ones. I had a wonderful time, except my back and legs got sore.

I also had the overhead fan and front door and louvres open so that I could catch the breeze. My first sitting took about six hours as I gained momentum and learned how to make it. I will see how far I can go with this and then start another one in NZ, as I want to keep my first ones in Samoa for our home here.

Later on, I went for a drive with my youngest to pick up some food, as too lazy to cook after the long weaving session and filled our water bottles with filtered water from our local water store. At night, I like to listen to the cicadas singing their songs long into the night.

Can't wait to get up tomorrow and do some more weaving as some other things that I'd like to learn to weave are bags, hats and fans, just like my namesake great-grandmother Eleni would have when she lived in Faleula...

 

Siapo/Tapa planting and Xmas lights in Samoa...

 

Boxing day here in Samoa has been raining overnight, which means there's probably flooding in Apia, and that's a place I'm going to avoid going to.

This pic shows the paper mulberry tree, also known as u'a locally, which has been missing at many Samoan houses due to many households no longer learning about how to make tapa or siapo.

I made it my business to go to a local source in Falelatai, i.e. check out my blog (after asking around) about sourcing this plant and bringing some little seedlings with me, and now - Wow! It has grown with offshoots as well.

Next month, I plan to publish a book about this next measina a Samoa, the siapo. It has its origin story, which is very interesting and telling.

For Christmas night, last night, my family jumped into the car and went for a night ride to check out the Christmas lights close to Apia. Each year, it's been improving, and this year was no different, especially in the village of Leauva'a, which has its Christmas decorations galore. I especially like the coconut tree sculptures with bright lights, which are worth viewing.

I was also surprised to see a lot of local shops open and some big supermarkets like "Frankies" and DMC (Samoa's KFC). My youngest discovered last night (after I shouted the family as a treat) that DMC stands for Dad, Mum and Children. Well, what better way to advertise :)

Ia manuia le Kirisimasi mai Samoa...

 

Posting twice on this special Christmas day in Samoa, wishing you and yours love, hope, and peace with your family and loved ones.

I've got to give credit to Doug Healy for this wonderful piece of art I wanted to share with you as he encourages anyone to use his art free of charge - a true artist after my heart, too.

Last night was so interesting as after our countdown to Christmas night as a family, we started hearing cars and trucks beeping up and down the road, then watched bikes lit up with Christmas lights riding up and down the street.

Then, there was a procession of cars, utes, and vans with loud music and singing with revellers driving up and down the street. It was definitely a sight to behold.

Then, at 2 o'clock in the morning, yes, I couldn't see because there was so much celebration outside on the street, I heard carol singers or manuao walking down the street. This brought back memories as it was something that I had enjoyed participating in with my family back in Auckland when I was young, we had a Samoan church youth group that would hire a bus, and we would go Christmas carolling on Christmas Eve to church members houses where we'd often get treats. It was so fun to participate in....

Merry Christmas from Samoa....

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from sunny Samoa! Ia manuia le Kirisimasi! One of the beautiful things that I appreciate about spending Christmas in Samoa is the beautiful tropical weather and sights that we get to see.

I love this pic with the beautiful blue that meets at the horizon with puffy clouds and the azure aqua colour of the ocean.

I feel very privileged and blessed to have two homes and I get to spend time in my ancestral homeland with my mum, lil' sis and my youngest too.

Even the colours of the flora is bright too. This pic was taken on our drive back from Falelatai district, where worn tyres are repurposed and painted to decorate villages for the festive season. It's a delight to the eyes to see the beautiful palette of Samoa.

Wishing you, the reader, peace, love and hope this Christmas for you and your family. In remembering that there is a special reason for the season and it's not found in the shopping, nor the Christmas lunch or dinner, or going to the beach but it's about spending time with family and faith above all...

Attending Saofa'i or Title bestowal ceremony in Matautu, Falelatai...

 

Yesterday, I went to my ancestral fanua (land) in Matautu, Falelatai, to witness and support the unofficial last day of our Ah Siu Reunion in the saofa'i or title bestowal of some of my extended family from overseas and in Samoa.

It was a title bestowal that was bittersweet as the last time I was on this particular land was with my late father, and the first time I was with him to witness his Fasavalu title on the same fanua.

I've been really encouraged as many people knew of him and his passing, and knowing that I was attending spoke to me about his peaceful and caring ways and his humility and knowledge. He had a confident and organised way of bringing families together in a special manner.

I think his leadership is missed a lot as he was quite pivotal in ensuring that at our last Auckland Reunion in 2018, we, as the Auckland hosts, did things in such a way that our visitors from overseas did not have to worry about a thing.

The title bestowal was also interesting in that the village has now allowed women to receive titles as during the years of my father as paramount chief or sa'o; however, he sanctioned women to receive titles; the village men were against it, but it has been good to see the change in consideration.

This has been a very interesting development, but for my own reasons of looking after the villages that my father lived at, I decided not to add to my name as with such things, there are expectations (by the village), obligations and responsibilities that I'm unable to commit too at this present time.

Another interesting person who attended the ceremony and added to the blessing of the title bestowals was the Head of State of Samoa, his Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II. It was interesting to see him there with other ministers who blessed the event.

Now it's time to relax with all of the Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in Samoa events completed. I thank God that everything went well and that we can now relax and enjoy Christmas in Samoa with the New Year of 2025 just around the corner... 

Finale Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in Samoa...

 

Yesterday was the culmination of our 4 day Ah Siu Reunion in Samoa. Everyone was encouraged to go to their own faith worship. 

We have many different faith journeys in our aiga (family), i.e. Catholics, Presbyterians, Seventh-Day Adventists, Evangelicals and some with alternative faith journeys.

Of the five 'clans, ' my great-grandfather Aialaisa was the eldest, and some of our family ordered some neat banners and decorated them with Christmas-like decorations that just added to the festivities.

After lunch and dessert, there was talk about where the next Reunion would be held, and the 4 places were discussed with pros and cons for each:

• back in Samoa again (easier access for those living in Samoa) but a logistical nightmare as we experienced
• over to New Zealand (where I spoke about having had our turn already in 2018) plus the fact that I know how busy we would be again
• Australia were very keen to host it as they had not hosted one before
• USA but the problem would be costs and airfares plus visas are not always easy to obtain

In the end it was Australia that won the votes as they hadn't hosted one and they were also willing to host it too. Great stuff! I must confess that I spoke was really keen to have it in Australia in having a rest for another term.

So Australia it is in 2027 during the holidays so that people can attend during work holidays and school holidays for the children too. I heard it said that it will be hosted in Brisbane! Yay! where my elder brother will be living with his children and then we can see more of our families in Australia attending too...

Reflection on Lefaga beach...

 

Today our Reunion organisers had a day at a Lefaga Beach with beach fale and a spell of rain and hot shining sun.

It was sad to also reflect upon missing the funeral of my elder sister, who passed away in Auckland, but we couldn't be there with her children and sent financial support and our love.

Returning would have been a logistical nightmare with skyrocketing airfares during the holidays, and seats for all four of us simultaneously would have been horrendous to find.

To keep it simple, I watched it live-streamed in a hotel room with an aunt before taking off to the beach for our family reunion activities. It definitely wasn't the same, but it was in keeping with what we could do to support from afar.

It also reminded me of the importance of community. I advised some of the upcoming matai who wanted to have titles and explained that in my 24 years of being a female matai (high chief), it was important to be in the community, be it a Samoan church, regular family get-togethers like meetings, funerals, weddings and attending together etc.

I found that the biggest mistake that overseas matai made was not being in a community/s, i.e. standing independent and expecting people to follow instructions when not in the community. My father continues to be a shining example to me of how to do things in community, and he has been sadly missed at this family reunion as many have reminded me of the care and love he dealt with people.

He was one to coordinate and plan events, he delegated but also walked alongside, and he had a knack for getting things done on a budget with great results and success. I think I picked up that same knack and have been given opportunities to demonstrate this...

Aialaisa clan, Ah Siu Reunion Samoa 2024 Book Launch

 

Today was a very special day as it was the first official day of our Ah Siu Reunion 2024 in *Samoa. It was hosted at the Return to Paradise Resort & Spa in Lefaga.

In representing the Aialaisa clan (orange), my great grandfather's, my grandma Asia's, and my late father Fasavalu Faalavaau Aiolupo Uili's legacy.

The order of the day started with a sacred Chapel Service:

• Welcome by the Samoa Reunion komiti (committee) Leader and my Aunty Lomi, who with her husband are the resort manager/owner

• Lighting of candles for those who had passed away. I lit a candle for my dad, as did my youngest, who accompanied me, as it was the anniversary today of 3 years since he passed away and in remembrance of my elder sister, who passed away this week.

• Prayer by my Aunty Martha & Bible Reading that I read in English from Romans 8: 36 - 39 "... that nothing can separate us from the love of Lord Christ Jesus." We also had Holy Communion for those who were happy to eat a small piece of bread symbolic of the body of Christ and drink a symbolic red drink as the blood of Christ.

• Pese/Songs were sung at the beginning of the service, during and after. It was beautiful to feel the presence of God through Unity and love being shared together as a family, and the various parts of the service reminded us that we all served a higher purpose.

• Afterwards, we had an Ava Fa'afeiloa'i or a kava welcoming ceremony organised through my aunty's resort, with leaders from each clan welcomed and recognised through the ava ceremony. This was another sacred ceremony of the fa'aSamoa (Samoan way of doing things).

• We then moved into tau mafutaga or eating together, including dessert. Afterwards, the introductions began for each fale tama (house of children) clan member from the five siblings of Shing/Xing Ah Siu & Asialausapi Fasavalu.

• Birthday celebrations were interesting also that there were a couple of important birthdays at the Reunion and these were honoured with singing the birthday song, speeches and photos taken at the Photo Booth

• Therein, I was able to have a Book launch of my latest offering called "The Origins of Traditional Tatau (Tattoo) Samoa". The books were blessed by Dr. Rev. Peter, with 5 copies given away to each clan and 50 passed on to the resort in support of hosting our Reunion.

• Introductions were continued by each clan's leader, and it was interesting to learn about the gafa or family tree and how we all "fitted" into the family tree. We then finished with siva or dancing and a Prayer  

Tufulele village Pool project...

 

Back in sunny Samoa for our 2nd Ah Siu Reunion in Samoa for 2025. It was neat to drive into the town of Apia and check out the sites along the way.

There's been a lot of development over the past couple of years, and one that has piqued my interest has been the development of the Tufulele Village Pool.

I watched the development of the Tufulele Village Pool project each time we visited Samoa last year, and it was one such site that I was really interested in watching as it was a large freshwater rock pool they were developing.

Since my return, the CHOGM Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 21 - 26 October (a couple of months ago) has already been hosted by Samoa. As we headed home after hosting international guests, we saw how each village decorated its roadside with bright lights, paintings, flags, and beautiful flora.

However, the Tufulele Pool project took it up another notch with railings and small faleo'o dotted around the pathway where people can have lunch near the rock pool with a nice scenic ocean view. Loving it back here in home-sweet-home.

Ah Siu Reunion Samoa 2024

 

It's all on! Getting ready for our Ah Siu Reunion, representing the Aialaisa clan (my paternal great grandfather) with bright oranges, although burnt orange was chosen by my cousin as she was quick off the mark. My choice would have been blues.

So next week, from 19 - 22 December, we're all converging in Upolu island in Samoa for a 4-day weekend celebration and getting to know each other with people flying in from the USA, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand (I'm not sure of Hawaii?).

There are five fale tama (houses of children) or clans that my great, great grandparents, Shing Ah Siu (China) & Asia Fasavalu (Matautu, Falelatai), had with their eldest son Aialaisa being the branch that I come from.

My grandmother was his eldest and was named after her paternal grandmother and my progenitors. My father was my grandmother's eldest. So a small group from Auckland, New Zealand, will represent our family there. I'm so looking forward to it.

It will be interesting as this is our second Ah Siu Family reunion, with the first celebrated in Auckland in 2018, close to a year after my grandma Asia died. Her wish was for our families to fealofi or care/love one another.

So our family will be decked out in oranges (all shades as you can see in the pic) with complementing orange hat, orange ribbons, string and the list goes on. We're anticipating to have a lot of family members there with clan colours of: blue, green, red and purple.

Now starting to pack as there's so much to consider taking with the reunion starting next week on the Thursday on the 19th December which is a week from now. I've decided to even take a mini Christmas tree as we will be spending Christmas and New Year's day there. Roll on the weekend...

Evolution of Lolly leis...

 

I decided to write a blog on Lolly Leis and how I remember the evolution of where they started and how they came to be when I was growing up.

I remember as a youngster that the only time we would make up lolly leis was when we were going overseas, or we knew someone was going, and we would make up lolly leis for them.

This was especially in the 1970s (yeap! maybe even before then) when we would go to Samoa, or we knew someone who was going, and we would take them to wear on the plane.

Those lollies would then be gifted upon arrival to family or friends they would visit, as there were only a few lolly varieties sold there.

The story has now completely changed. Nowadays, there are a variety of leis, and some contain chocolates, bars of chocs and even money.

I also don't see them at airports anymore, but they are prolific, particularly at graduations where Pasifika students are, and they come in all different shapes and sizes. You can also coordinate the colours, like the ones in the pic with gold and blues above or with various coloured wrapping, like the ones below with a chocolate theme.

Even Tongan varieties have their own woven pattern that is not enclosed, draping them upon the recipient with ribbons. I even saw feathers (unsure if they were Maori), but they piqued my interest as it's the first time I've seen feathers used. I also saw one made into a type of hat. Now that was a first.

Suffice it to say that this won't be the first graduation to see innovation with feathers incorporated and even a hat whereby lolly/choc leis are a symbol of celebration, albeit at graduations where families celebrate their family member's success. Neither will it be the last...

Prize Giving and Success...

The busyness continues with the countdown towards Christmas and our trip away to sunny Samoa. However, today, we celebrated my youngest's success in the first year of high school at the prize giving.

It was where I learned to strive towards success, especially around prize giving, as I knew that my hard work would be rewarded.

I also have my parents to thank for always encouraging me when I was young, and now I pass on the same encouragement to my children.

It's an interesting year for my youngest as in a break from tradition, she is the only one of my close family who has gone to an inner city girls' grammar school.

My siblings and I went to the local high school co-ed with many Pasifika and Māori students and some European and Asian students.

At this particular prize giving, it was great to see many parents, grandparents, siblings and friends coming to the prizegiving and sharing this special time together. We got to give our lolly leis, flowers and best wishes to our youngest and also with other girls, some who were even related to us.

Now it's time for the holidays to start and it's something to look forward to as we count down with only five more sleeps before we board the plane to Samoa and soak in the sun in Samoa. Plus we have our Ah Siu Family Reunion. Not long now...

 

Brunch and family trips away...

 

I had brunch at 'The Gaff, ' a local cafe/restaurant with my eldest, and we both ordered an eggs Benedict with salmon. It came on two hash browns with a balsamic-type vinegar dressing.

I was catching up with my eldest as she had just returned from a trip with a friend to Rotorua (a 3 - 4 hour drive from Auckland) and told me about all the different rides they went on and the fun things they enjoyed.

She also recommended it for a family trip in the not-too-distant future, which I think is a great idea. I'm considering booking a family trip there sometime next year as something to look forward to.

I've also got a family trip to Samoa next week for our Ah Siu Family Reunion, so I am busy getting things ready with so much happening at this point in time. But it was good to catch up with my eldest over brunch as I try to keep up with what my children are doing, and I'm happy to support them whenever needed. Roll on the holidays...

Back to the gym this summer...

 

Can't believe how fast these past few months have been with Christmas just around the corner and planning to attend our Ah Siu family reunion in Samoa.

It's summer here and have finally made the decision to start back at our local gym complete with a swimming pool complex and outdoor pools as well.

I'd love to take up badminton again as that was one of my favourite sports growing up but unfortunately the fitness complex doesn't have provisions i.e. net to be able to play Badminton there.

But no worries there, as the treadmill (pictured left) and the weight machines are more than enough to keep me busy and enjoying the workouts again.

The gym was a place that I frequented many a time back over 5 years in my Uni days and before the kids so it great to be back with muscle memory and all that entails.

It's definitely something I'd encourage those over their 50s to consider, if not doing regular exercise as it keeps us health and fit (if we try and eat a more healthy and balanced diet) which isn't always easy as when one gets older, we kinda hang up our boots a bit (a lot).

So looking forward to what this new summer brings and especially in these last couple of weeks before Christmas. As I've finished all my marking with just a few small things to complete and then I'm home and away to Samoa. We're almost there....