"Now Look Here!" (Savaii, Warren Jopling and Safua Hotel)

There are two major islands that make up Independent Samoa. The smaller island of Upolu is more heavily populated and has both the airport and Apia (the only city). The larger island, Savaii, can be reached by ferry, and due to the younger volcanic soil has less arable land and thus a smaller population. During the first week we were on Savaii we stayed a Safua Hotel, a family run hotel that caters to groups such as ourselves. During the days we went on natural and cultural history tours with Warren Jopling, a wonderful, if somewhat outspoken and at times gruff, Australian who has been living in Samoa for the past 25 years.

If you were to ask several of the students and staff about their time at Safua hotel they might tell you that several notable events included:

While catching our dinner on Samoan culture day, Alex (Point Loma ’12) had the misfortune of being bitten by a pig. Several students who had been in the dark regarding the source of pork were enlightened. And we all were able to witness what octopus cooked in octopus ink and coconut cream looks (and tastes) like. Additionally, Sarah (Wheaton ’12), was presented with a necklace of cowry shells by Chris Jackson in recognition of her skill (and timely correction of others) while basket weaving.

Warren encouraged everyone to look into the longevity producing properties of the Noni fruit. Several people, including Caleb (Wheaton ’11), and Kelsey (Messiah, ’12), were convinced to try both the fruit form and the bottled juice, however they affirmed in the end that Noni really does taste terrible.

We learned a little about some of the challenges that Samoan people face. We saw a number of failed forestry projects, toured a new market which had been financed by Japanese aid, but unfortunately was built not only right in the middle of some of the only remaining low-lying rainforest on Savaii, but also far from both the nearest town and the ferry terminal. We also visited a village that had been completely destroyed by a cyclone about 20 years ago, which no one has ever resettled.

Our time a Safua hotel culminated with a Fia Fia. This is a celebration that, literally translated is “Happy Happy” in English. The program consists of each group, the visitors and the locals, performing “items.” The items can be songs, dances, haka etc. Our rendition of “In the Jungle” was a big hi., CCSP groups have been singing this song with such regularity that all the locals know it and sing along, and out unique dance routine made it extra good. One of the memorable moments of the evening occured when we all went on the back porch and were surprised with a Samoan fire dance! Lance (Wheaton ’11) and Alex were asked to try their hand at it and put on a pretty spectacular display. Alex later explained he had never tried fire dancing before but had always wanted to do something like that.