Happy 15th Birthday to our youngest...

 

Yesterday, we as a family celebrated my youngest's 15th birthday party after picking her up from school, having finished her Polyfest practice and whisked her away to a family dinner at the Valentines Restaurant on North Shore.

We had an absolutely lovely time together with lovely surroundings and delicious food. There were three generations present with my mum, her grandmother, her auntie, siblings, a friend and we as parents.

This is the party vibe birthday cake that we picked up for her as a vanilla cake with strawberry icing. She also had a restaurant chocolate mud cake, making it two cakes that we took home and celebrated with sparkling grape juice.

Then it was time for speeches, blowing out the birthday candles, and singing that timeless birthday song with present openings and a lot of laughs along the way.

Tonight is her last practice together with the Cook Islands drumming group, and looking forward to tomorrow with their performance on the Cook Islands stage at 12.30 pm approximately.

We'll be there cheering them on, and I'm looking forward to attending the biggest Polynesian Festival in the world with 6 stages of: Māori, Cook Islands, Tongan, Samoa, Niuean and the diversity stage. It will be so busy looking for limited parking but well worth the time and wishing her team the best in the competitions....

Māngere Arts centre Tatau (Tattoo) Exhibition...

Today I had the privilege of viewing two side-by-side exhibitions at the Māngere Arts Centre that featured two Samoan artists on tatau, or the traditional art of Samoan tattoo.

The two artists are: Siah Finai with his exhibition called "Tala mai lo'u Nu'u: Stories of my Homeland/Community/Family".

The second artist is Galumalemana Su'a Sione Sialaoa, and his exhibition is titled "Journey, Truth, and Respect."

Both artists display bold depictions of tatau, and the exhibitions have run from 21st Feb until 11 April. I would highly recommend the exhibitions to those who are particularly interested in the iconography of the tatau and understanding the meanings of this visual storytelling art form.

To me, these exhibitions are so important in ensuring that the information is passed onto next generations and that some of the things that were obscure and hidden, i.e. only those who are in the circles have access to the information, have been shared through this exhibition.

Unfortunately, I was unaware of the live tatau exhibition that happened on Saturday as it would have been an honour and a privilege to have been able to share this with my students but there may be other possibilities in the future...
 

"Made in Korea" with an interest from Tamil...

 

 After returning from my weekend of teaching, I had lunch with my family and had a quick nap, then I decided to relax and ease into watching a Netflix movie. This happens to be my go-to at times when I've completed a full-on day and to be stress-free.

I was interested to watch the 2026 movie "Made in Korea" that features a link between a young lady from Tamil and her interest in Korea. In fact, it was interesting to know that there is a fascination, of sorts, of many people from other nations who, like the young lady who is featured in the movie, want to visit Korea.

I remember binge-watching Korean drama series during COVID-19 and being fascinated by the storylines that adapted their old stories, principles and beliefs into contemporary drama. This movie depicts some interesting themes between the relationships that she has with her family, a Korean family with friends and her maturation too.

I would recommend this movie if you are interested in exploring ideas of familial inter-relationships that are inter-generational and also if you don't mind it being a little bit quirky...

An emancipatory educational future...

 

It's back to the start of our academic year here at our Wānanga or Māori higher educational institution called Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

The pic was taken in the early morning with the sunrise just peaking out behind the building. The shot is of the atrium area with a master carving that is significant to the wānanga.

I enjoy being able to share my journey through the Samoan indigenous lens that my parents and Samoan community shared with me all those years back.

It's indeed a privilege to be able to encourage and support many other indigenous peoples as students at this wānanga in reshaping and recontextualising the histories that we had been told in schools. There is now a lot of information that has been gleaned that informs us of a different reading of history.

It's exciting to see this development since becoming an educator back in the 1990s. I never believed that it could happen, but I am now seeing the fruits of the fighting for an emancipatory education system that values indigenous peoples and indeed the histories of tangata when (first peoples of the land)...

Last week before Polyfest...

 

This is the last full week of Polyfest cultural group practices before the largest festival in the world, as the Polynesian Festival, will take place next week in Manukau from Wednesday, 18th March to Saturday, 21st March.

My youngest is competing in her school's Cook Islands group as a drummer, and the neat thing is that some of her friends have also joined the drumming group, which not only allows them to compete in one of the largest stages in the Festival, but they also get NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) credits.

I'm so proud of her, as the group has been practising every day after school for a number of weeks and also all day Saturday. I'm also glad that the festival is earlier in the year, as this is her first big year of National exams, with a four-week stint of exams at the end of the year.

The pic is a bunch of colour-coordinated packs that I got ready for the raffle fundraising that the group were donating items to. The packs consisted of hair clips, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, a small tealight candle, a beaded pen, and key rings. The colours consisted of blues, pinks, yellows, greens, greys, etc.

With the last week to go before the group's performance next Friday, they have their last weekend practice tomorrow. I think they're going to miss the camaraderie, new friendships that have developed and the group vibe and wishing them all the best for their upcoming performances...

Tyla & Justin Bieber's new song "My darling" nice vocals...

 

I like the vocals of Tyla & Justin in "My Darling", their new song, which has a neat beat and dance rhythms. He's definitely come a long way since he was first discovered as a young singer and musician. This song shows his versatility with other artists.

Have got this song on repeat...

'High Tea' whilst watching the Bridgetons (end of season 4)...

 

This pic illustrates the contents for a 'High-Tea' of what's inside the 'Tons' Treat Box' in light of the Netflix popular series of "The Bridgertons".

This was in honour of a treat night as we have made a thing of watching the 'Bridgertons' together whilst anticipating the storylines that weave and problem solve as we watch along the way.

I must admit that I wasn't interested in the series and missed the whole first series until my eldest encouraged me to watch the second series, as we are interested in 'period pieces'.

One of our mutual fave movies is Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" starring Kiera Knightley. I think it's the orchestral storyline and background, as well as the culture of the day.

So we finally watched the last instalment of the fourth series and enjoyed the tasting of treats, with my favourite being the macarons, both in the colours of green and mustard.

I particularly also enjoyed the strawberries that added to the delight of the treats box, and the cheesecake pops that had a strawberry flavour. I didn't quite mind the chocolate cupcakes topped with decadent chocolate icing and dried petals, but I couldn't quite eat the petals.

The only letdown was the heavy red velvet lamington, which was just a bit heavier than the light lamingtons that I'm accustomed to. All in all, it was a delight to behold as we drank Chai Latte (turmeric sachets) in our mum's best china, which complemented the viewing delightfully.

Now, to wait another two years before the next installment...

Island Reggae - Bruno Mar's "Risk it all"...

I really like this Island Reggae Rendition of Bruno Mars' new song called "Risk it all" by Pacific Frequency. The original song is nice, but this version elevates it to the next level. Take a listen and see what you think?

It has those Island Reggae song vibes that reminds me of being at the beach in the hot tropical sun, taking it easy and sunnies, sunglasses, a tropical fruit drink with friends and family and having a great time chillaxing...

Local King tide coast walk...

 

Yesterday, my eldest took my mum (her grandmother), on her motorised scooter, and me on a walking trip along a local coastal walkway.

It was a beautiful sunny day with a cool breeze just after midday. What I was astounded by, however, was the King tide that brought the tide right up the sandy beach at its highest peak that I'd ever seen before.

Usually, rocks are exposed when I go on my regular 5 km walks, but this time the tide seemed swollen, and I reflected on how there had been an eclipse on Monday, which I missed, and a full moon the day after, which brought about this phenomenon.

It was a lovely walk, and it was neat to reflect on how there were three generations of our family enjoying the day out and keeping in good spirits with such lovely memories in the making. When we had almost completed our walk, we were joined by my younger sister and middle child.

Afterwards, my lil' sis' shouted us some Maccha (green-type tea) with a strawberry swirl (which didn't make a lot of sense to me) and a joint meal that extended our fellowship and good vibes. Definitely a lovely day to reflect on as we now invite the autumn season to bring its coolness to our days ahead...

First impressions of IKEA (NZ) store...

 

On the weekend, I visited IKEA (NZ) for the first time since it opened its doors last year with its first store in Auckland. It was interesting to view the big warehouse, which reminded me a lot of the Costco stores.

I was able to view the various furniture layouts for bedrooms, study spaces, kitchen, lounge furnishings and the list goes on. I also loved viewing their colour combinations and found their pricing reasonable.

Now I get what the big deal was all about, as I had heard that when it first opened, there were cues down the road to get in and view the big warehouse.

They even had a large space for seated eating with a nice menu that offered food tastings from their European origins. I guess the only thing that I wasn't too keen on was that it was most of the warehouse used artificial lighting apart from the entrances.

All in all, it was an interesting experience, so that if I ever need furnishings to kit out a specific room or area, then this definitely would be a store to seek and consider the various offerings and options one could choose from...

Watching the movie "Tenor: my name is Pati"...

 

I was so blessed to have watched the movie "Tenor: my name is Pati" with my beloved. It was a three-day preview, and I watched it on Friday in the morning with only three of us watching in a big theatre. I think most people would have missed it as the only session of the day.

It was a touching movie for me as he was brought up in the same suburb of Māngere in South Auckland, as my family, but at different churches and schools. It was also interesting in that he had grown up with a super strict Samoan father.

I think the other part of his journey that was so interesting to watch was his commitment to his craft as a singer, musician and performer. I could see his passion growing up in performing at church and the local elderly home that his parents worked at, and that he and his siblings performed at and also worked there.

To now be on international stages all over the world singing as a tenor in operas and sharing his love and passion with audiences to see is so amazing. If I hadn't watched this movie, I wouldn't have known the great lengths that he has travelled to get to where he is today.

So happy for him and so proud that he represents our Samoaness well. The good, the difficulties and the struggles. I wish all the best for him, as he has been compared with Pavarotti, and that's saying something. 

This is a highly recommended movie that I encourage many Samoans and Pasifika people to be inspired by. Not so much about becoming an opera star but in his journey of never giving up on a dream that transpired as he was dedicated to his craft...

Shout out to our upcoming law graduand...

Yesterday, my beloved planned a family celebration with dinner out at one of our fave restaurants on the occasion of our eldest passing her final law exams to now graduate in the month of August. That's two graduations for our family this year. 

I am so happy for her as this was a goal for her ever since she was a young child, wanting to make this world a more 'fair' place for what she was aware of at the time.

I remember she was interested in social justice as a young child and became aware of cultural differences, historical perspectives and always had an opinion on social justice issues.

She definitely worked hard for it with lots of readings, debating and attending lectures. She was very hardworking with a lot of tenacity and determination to complete the course.

Now what is left is to complete her bar exams to be accepted to the bar, and to then decide which field of law she will want to work in, as I remember that she was initially interested in criminal justice, but the world is her oyster and quite a lot of opportunities are available to her. Now looking forward to her graduation in August...

Bruno Mars new song "I just might"...

 

When I first heard this new song by Bruno Mars, it reminded me of the Disco beat vibes that I enjoyed as a teenager (yeap - back in the day). What was also neat about the music video was that it showed his versatility as a musician as well i.e. as a drummer, playing the electric guitar etc.

I love this as a good dance number but not so much the message about if a girl/lady can't dance or it doesn't match her looks, now come on, because everyone dances in their own way, although the particular style might not be acceptable to some. 

I think it might be my new dance song for the month as it has a real catchy tune and one that you can step too without too much difficulty. So come on, if you're needing an up beat song to dance to, you just might wanna pick this one...

"David" movie and plea...

 

On the weekend, I watched a movie called "David" after reading a review that praised its new animation style. I was also interested in seeing the story of the biblical David being shared with a new generation, as it was one that I had learned about growing up in the church.

I took my youngest with me, and we enjoyed the cinematic view of the new animation, which made the characters' hair look very real, as well as the beautiful landscapes, horizons, and Technicolour. I was also interested in the storyline and the storytelling of a very old story.

All in all, we enjoyed it, and there were tear-jerking moments, as well as the story of a mother's love for her son. I almost laughed when there was a reference to 'stress weaving', which I think is more of a 20th-century term, but interesting in that I love handicrafts as an ancient art form, and also practical too.

I would highly recommend this movie for family viewing and also for those who are interested in viewing a different 'take' on David. At the end of the movie, the director (title unknown) makes a plea for 1,000,000 children in North America to be able to watch, and for viewers to pay it forward so they can watch, since many can't afford entry...

Family Valentines Day...

 

During the weekend, it was a joy to spend time with my beloved over a Valentine's lunch at, you guessed it, Valentine's Day restaurant, and then we took our family to have dessert at a local restaurant to celebrate the love we share together. 

Although Valentine's Day is often seen as for couples, we've broadened it to include celebrating as a family with my beloved, giving our children flowers, and then our eldest giving flowers to all the women in our family, too.

These were lovely gestures from three generations of women and a reminder not to take one another for granted as a family. It's not that we're a perfect unit, but we've gotten to know each other pretty well over the years, and we've accepted that, through those imperfections, we can learn to forgive and love, even if we never fully agree on certain things.

As for me, I particularly love flowers and have been growing plants since I was very young. So, I have plants inside the kitchen, bathroom, lounge and haven't quite got to the bedroom yet, except for bouquets, but it is pretty special in receiving and giving flowers too.

I must say I have a sweet tooth and enjoy chocolate, but only in moderation. It was also nice for our family to drive to a local beach at night and walk along it. We were reminded that my first date with my beloved was on Valentine's Day in 2000, so it's been 26 years since we've been together, and this year we celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary...

Today is the day!...

 

On Tuesday this week, I was blessed and privileged to have completed the oral defence of my PhD thesis before a panel of esteemed educators and community leaders.

It was a panel of five members, led by a Professor, with one international examiner from NUS (National University of Samoa), two external national examiners, and my supervisor as my supporting professor.

It was indeed an auspicious occasion, and it gives me great pleasure and an honour to thank them for their thorough work and the consideration they gave, especially the international member, whose comments helped sharpen my work for the final submission.

I'm pleased to say that I passed the oral exams and can now complete the final polishing edits to submit and confirm my PhD thesis for graduation on 1st May of 2026. I must say that I could have burst into tears after my 20-minute presentation, when I sang a pese (song) my late father had sung many years earlier; it was some of his last words to me that kept me on track to finish the thesis...

Coles Cookies in song lyrics...

 

We're back from the Gold Coast, Australia, and this was one of the songs that my youngest played as we drove around in our rental. What was so funny about it was the lyric that said, "Cole's cookies in a good morning..." because it was one of our favourite cookies to buy and bring back to NZ.

It was interesting that when I spoke to my older brother, who lives on the Gold Coast, he didn't understand why we would buy boxes to take back, since they're not that big into them. However, for those of us who are chocolate cookie connoisseurs, there is a big difference.

So glad to be back, but just in time also for my final presentation and PhD defence tomorrow. Still quite a lot to go through, but trusting that there are some things I just have to put in faith, and more on that another day. I'll just dunk some Coles cookies in the meantime...

Last day in Coolangatta, Kirra Beach & the Gold Coast of Australia...

 

Our last day at the Gold Coast, and yesterday we were able to go on a 2-hour cruise down the Nerang River from SeaWorld to Surfers Paradise and back.

Whilst on the cruise, we found out some interesting facts about the area from the captain, who was also a local.

He told us the origin of the name "Surfers Paradise": it was named after the local eatery when locals considered a name change.

He also pointed out the sea life and wildlife around the area. It was also noted that the number of houses built on islands and facing the river, with potoons around, so they could go straight to the water if need be.

All in all, we had a wonderful time of rest and relaxation. We also had some time last night to go to the beach and dip our feet, then to the spa and pool. It's been a great time, but it's time to pack up and head home. A really fun time...

The last of our "Worlds" tour at the Gold Coast...

Yesterday, I spent the day at "Dreamworld" with my two youngest, and we had a great time exploring the various rides and scenes at the event park.

One of my favourite rides was the train that runs every 20 minutes on a loop, and we got to see the large area of land that "Dreamworld" occupies, as well as the wildlife reserve it holds.

It definitely is different from "SeaWorld" and "MovieWorld", which were busier with longer lines and a lot more people. We found "Dreamworld" more charming, with a lot of the food spaces closed due to fewer customers.

We also visited their official "Legoland" shop, where we received a free passport you can take to any Lego shop to have stamped.

This was because we have three Lego enthusiasts in my family, including me. Although I don't have much time to build, I enjoy it as a way to use my imagination and build with Lego, something I enjoyed as a child. I think it helped with my creativity.

That was the last of our "worlds" travels, as although we had tickets for "Wet'n Wild" and "Water World", we weren't too keen, as we had an ocean beachfront and swimming pool back at our hotel. Plus we still had the cruise and visit to SkyPoint to see too...

"Movie World" and enjoying the Gold Coast...

 

Yesterday, I went to "Movie World" on the Gold Coast, and we had fun until I went on the 'Scooby Doo' ride, which made me feel sick. Note to self: Don't have breakfast before going on the rides.

It reminded me so much of 'Disneyland' in Anaheim, California, where I visited family many years ago. It was neat to visit again, with so many changes since my last visit a few years ago.

It was also neat to visit 'Surfer's Paradise' strip near the beach, as I had tried to find accommodation there with our 'Timeshare' booking, but it was fully packed.

However, where we are on Kirra Beach is so refreshing because it's only minutes from the airport, and the beaches are lovely to walk along, with so many visitors from around the world.

I've also enjoyed grocery shopping here because food is a lot cheaper with more variety to buy, e.g., fresh mangoes, tropical fruits, although meat is about the same.

Today, we're looking to finally go on our 2-hour cruise. It's a long story, but we missed the boat twice already, so we're hoping to go early and then go to "DreamWorld", which is like "MovieWorld" but has a lot more to it.

Then I can't wait to finally complete our "Worlds" tour, and either jump into the ocean or go for a spa at our hotel pools, or even soak in the swimming pool after a long, hot day driving to the various destinations. 

It's definitely been a well-deserved break before the year gets into full swing: teaching classes, defending my thesis, working on more writing and publishing books, and then considering where the next holiday will take us...

Breathe, enjoy and relax at Kirra Beach, Gold Coast, Australia...

 

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Here we are at Kirra Beach on the Gold Coast of Australia, enjoying rest and relaxation, with plenty of fun along the way. The pic is a view from our hotel resort balcony, with Kirra Beach on the horizon.

Yesterday, I was able to go for an early morning walk, and there were lots of people out and about walking, scootering, biking, running and enjoying the mild weather after some rain.

My family and I also visited SeaWorld at Surfers Paradise and did a little shopping along the way. It's been good to sightsee and notice little changes along the way; we last visited this area some 10 years ago, when our children were very little.

Last night, I had a visit from my elder brother and his wife, whom we had just met in Samoa last month. It was neat to meet my niece and her husband and catch up on their growing families.

Today, I'm also notching up to get ready to defend my PhD thesis, which I'm treating more as a 'talanoa' or cultural discussion about things pertaining to my thesis. I must say I thank God for getting this far; there were so many times I couldn't see myself finishing it, but I'm almost at the finish line.

I've also been so thankful for my supportive family; I couldn't have done it without them, and I'll never forget my father's last words to me: when would I finish? It willed me to complete it. So next Tuesday, I'll be ready to speak with my three examiners, one from Samoa and two from NZ, who were able to read through the thesis.

I'm also preparing my 20-minute digital presentation to summarise my PhD studies and share it with the faculty, other staff, and family. To get to this stage is nothing short of a miracle, and I'm so happy that I get this chance to reflect on what I need to do next, whilst taking stock and enjoying the Gold Coast...

Happy 21st Birthday celebrations...

 

I have been so crazy busy since returning from Samoa, with my middle child's 21st birthday, which we celebrated with a neat family dinner at a restaurant overlooking Henderson Valley.

She also got to enjoy her new wheels and stayed in an Airbnb for some girl time with her sisters. It's been such a whirlwind celebration, as tomorrow we're flying out to Australia.

Yes, we're going to the 'world's' to check them out with our youngest, who has never been to Brisbane. So it will be a first, and we'll probably check out the local markets there too.

Not to mention that we're staying at Kirra Beach, just south of busy Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, and we may even get some time to catch up with my brother and his wife, and my nieces and their families, so they can meet their NZ cousins.

Will be taking over some books to share some of the ancient Samoan stories with our family in Australia, and then check out the beaches there, with one just across the road from where we're staying. It's going to be fun, and I'm looking forward to it as I'm on long-service leave, which is an extra 2-week-long break from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, where I work.

Happy 30th Birthday lil sis...

 

Back in NZ again, in time to celebrate my lil sis's 30th birthday. She's the other artist in the family who joins me in continuing as creatives, which I know stems from our great and great-great grandmother's artisan skills.

Those artistic skills were then passed on to her son, our maternal grandfather, who made jewellery, then to my creative mum, who had a plethora of skills, including cooking, and then to us, the present generation, with my children developing in the area too.

This is my lil sis's fave cake from the Cheesecake shop, which is the Unicorn cake with its many colours of 7 layers, including: blue, green, red, pink, purple, orange and yellow.

We absolutely love the light texture of the cake, and the cream is over the top, and we can't help but enjoy bright colours as Samoans, as you only have to visit Samoa to know why.

This week, we are also preparing to celebrate the 21st birthday of my middle child, and it's been a joy to plan with several factors coming into play, but more in another blog. However, we are big in celebrating important milestones in our family with more to come...

Reflections on Samoa on last day...

 

Today is our last full day and night in Samoa before returning back to NZ with our family (kinda) missing us.

We have had such a productive and fun holiday in Samoa in meeting with our relatives and getting back on the fanua of my dad's (parents') and ancestors' legacy.

Going to Manono and finding out about our connecting historical story to Manono was mind-blowing and something I'm going to reflect on and write about later.

It was also sobering to visit what is known as 'R.L. Stevenson's Pool' which I think was 'Loimata Apa'ula'. Another mystery that I'm trying to find out whether both are one in the same that I wrote about earlier but when fact checking, a map shows different and when asking a local walker she expressed that there is only one waterfall as pictured.

If this is true, then it again confirms my earlier commiserations that 'Loimata Apa'ula' waterfall fell victim to possibly safety and tourism considerations for the modification of the fanua or land for those reasons. The pool, as you see it in the pool, is only a wading pool up to the knees and the waterfall was dammed.

I'm looking forward to possibly returning for a family reunion in November that my aunty who is based at the Return to Paradise resort and spa has announced for us diaspora Samoans to look forward to. At that time, I'm hoping to plan a visit to Apolima Island where my great grandmother Faletui lived for a time with her husband and where her grandchild, my father was born.

Yet more explorations and stories to continue in the next saga of visiting Samoa at the end of the year. Roll on 2026... Ia manuia ma ia soifua (may all go well and good bye)...

Amazing tour to the island of Manono...

  

Today, I had a great time with my youngest and was able to charter a boat to go on an amazing tour to the island of Manono. It was a whirlwind tour as it takes about 30 minutes for the boat to travel to the island and another 30 minutes to travel back.

On this particular morning, it was 8.30am in the morning with lovely weather. We were able to travel to the island and through our tour guide we visited the first spot of where the Methodist church started with a monument.

Interestingly enough, the minister who started the ministry was Rev. Turner who wrote books about Old Samoa that I had referred to in my thesis. This was especially surprising and neat to reflect on in seeing where he had started his mission and to be able to view where he had been those many years ago.

A second tour stop was at the place of 'Tamafaiga's monument' which is a tala or story that I had been aware of in my readings but in being able to connect the story to where I currently live in Fasito'o-uta Samoa. In fact, it was my parents who were able to take me to show me the connection and which I was able to confirm from a matai (chief) whom I spoke with today. Totally amazing!

Needless to say that this has been one of my favourite trips to Samoa but missing my mum as she decided to remain behind in New Zealand as she had been ill in Fiji late last year when we took her over for my birthday celebrations. However, it's been great that our technology has kept us in contact through Messenger video call. Simply wonderful...

Sweet treats in Samoa...

 

It's rainy season in Samoa at the moment, and after tidying up some things at home, we went for a drive into town and had a late lunch at the local 'Burger Bill's'.

We then drove in the opposite direction, past the international airport (just 15 minutes from where we live), to Mulifanua wharf, only a 20-minute drive away.

On the same road and way to the wharf, we discovered a new dessert treat shop called 'Delicious Cakes', and we went in to have a look.

It's a shop with lots of dessert pies, cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts, sandwiches, cakes and much, much more. My favourite is the Afghan cookies, which are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sandwiches were fine, but their large custard pies were not really to my taste and my mum was the best bakery growing up and the treats she made were second to none.

I would definitely recommend them if you're looking for occasion treats, like birthdays or anniversaries. We had fun trying the various treats. Another place was in Apia town, at a new stop called 'Ten Below', a 24-hour eatery. Their treats are second to none, with a slice of brownies, caramel slices, and cake slices all for $10. It reminds me of sweet treats from NZ espcially for those who might be a little bit homesick...

Site seeing in Samoa...

 

Today, we're sightseeing in Samoa on a Sunday. This time, we decided to drive out to Mulinu'u, near the capital, Apia, where the round Parliament building stands and the new courthouse.

It was great to take a leisurely Sunday drive; usually it is busy and bustling, but today there were a few out and about, enjoying the sunny weather and taking a swim.

We had lunch at the Chinese fast-food restaurant chain DMC in Vailoa, which says it stands for Dad, Mum and Children (really?). It definitely wasn't to my taste, as I'm sure they add jam to the Sundae.

However, we did manage to track down "10 Below", which is the first (that I'm aware of) 24-hour Foodstop for fast foods and desserts in Apia, down the road from the Clock Tower roundabout.

I was so surprised to see it and highly recommend checking it out as we picked up some desserts for $10 each, including Brownies, Caramel slice, Chocolate cake slices and Carrot cake slices.

The only thing I would say is that it is dark inside, and I'd recommend adding a little more lighting. It is modern, but the dark interior isn't as welcoming in contrast to the bright sun outside. However, if you're up for big snacks and delicious desserts - this is the place to see!

Enjoying some of the sites of Samoa...

 

A couple of days ago, I managed to take my brother from Brisbane, Australia, his wife and my youngest on a round-trip around the island. 

I did, however, take a shortcut; it would have been longer, since we live on the southern part of the island and were visiting my mother-in-law and my beloved's family in the village of Siumu.

This is a photo of the Papapaitai Falls in Tiāvi, where I remember my father taking a photo of my family in 1972, when I first saw the falls.

It's so neat to take my youngest to see these falls, the same ones I saw as a child. The round trip took us a couple of hours as we visited another cousin who is also building in Samoa, and it's neat to see some diaspora Samoans returning to the motherland.

We also did some renovating on our family house, and it was good to complete that job, as there was quite a bit of wear and tear we needed to accommodate.

It's been so good to catch up with my older bro and his family. As his children are much older than me, they are grandparents of 13, whereas I'm patiently (not so patiently) waiting for mine, i.e., the next generation of diaspora Samoans...

Happy New Year 2026 from Samoa!...

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR for 2026! I've been in Samoa since New Year's Day, and it has been such a blessing to be back in the motherland of my parents and ancestors.

As you can see from the pic, the tall plants are called u'a or paper mulberry trees. The bark is used to make siapo, or tapa cloth. I planted these trees two years ago because I couldn't source any in our local village.

This is one of my future projects: to learn how to make siapo, as I learned the art of weaving from my mother and from a couple of village women. 

This is a tribute to my namesake, an artisan of siapo whose craft was lost in a generation when it could no longer be passed on; I have made it my mission to continue it.

Now, to harvest some pandanus that my parents grew for use on our communal land, and to keep weaving as I was taught this beautiful skill. This is another project I've recently started, to see how it can be dried and then be ready to take back to NZ with us.

It's truly been a blessing to be back on our fanua (land), to begin some renovations, with the help of my second cousin and his friends and family, to complete some projects, and to await the arrival of my brother and his wife from Australia, so we can continue our father's legacy in our ancestral village that he wanted to pass on to us. 

To see the azure blues of the neighbouring ocean and the lush greenery and colourful flora on our fanua is such a blessing, to say the least. It's been so good to smell the ocean scent, to feel the warm, gentle breeze, it is 'home sweet home'.

Thank you, God, for this wonder-filled opportunity, may we never take it for granted...