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)...
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