Savaii's Market
Trip Start
Nov 03, 2009
1
3
11
Trip End
Nov 17, 2009
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Salelologa, Savaii, Samoa
Friday, November 6, 2009
It was actually a bit difficult for me walking around Samoa because of the heat and because of the fact that people had to keep ourselves covered. Because of the influence of Christian missionaries, Samoans are generally very religious people. As tortuous as the heat is, walking around in tank tops, shorts or even bikini tops is completely offensive and disrespectful to the local villagers. Thus, t-shirts, long-sleeves or long skirts/lava-lavas (sarongs) are all the norm even in this severely humid 95-degree country. So a 5-minute walk can easily feel like half an hour because it is so hot and the air so heavy and your clothes so impractical, it seems like you are struggling just to breathe. And forget about trying to wipe away all your sweat...your sweat just never stops sweating because of all your clothes!
Thank you, Christian missionaries, for teaching tropical island people to dress warmly and thoroughly.
The mosquitos are eating me alive!
Comments
wow - i'd die. hot. humid. no tank tops. death. :) glad all is going well for you, though.
wow this ia a nice maket....i can't cait to be there on Dec 21, 2009.
lord lord lord i just can't wait to see the new market back home.i would love to run around and search all over the new place.
gosh i wish i have wings so i can took off like a plane right this minute.i haven't seen home for 5 yrs now.i heard news and seen pics on the internet but i haven't seen it.
uhm hey..uhm farrr mahn i want 2 qo 2 samoa mahn..lykk ryt nw aey..kOz i havent been home since i was 8 nd nw im 15...
My Dad was brought up there but I havent been myself I wish I had the
chance to go to savaii I heard they learn more nice things there
Not too sure if I agree with the comment that tank tops are offensive - we go to Samoa often to vist family and to holiday. My husband is of Samoan heritage (but I am not) and tank tops are ok as long as they are not showing too much of a womens chest area.Tight is not so good either - although if you are a tourist you can get away with a little more. Bikinis away from the hotel pool is not OK, but you can wrap your lavalava around your body over your bikini and thats alright as long as it is not showing too much chest or leg. Men should not be bare chested in town - but is OK at hotel. Just think modest and you cant go too wrong. Really all you have to bring on your holiday to Samoa is 2-3 lavalava (can be brought at the markets for approx 10 Samoan Tala) a couple of tops, a nice dress that covers your shoulders (white if you are planning on going to church), your swimsuit and your smile! I have never used a cardigan in all my times there. Just a hint if you are wanting to purchase fruit to take back to your hotel, go to the markets early (about 6.30-7am) as this is when all the freshest fruit and the biggest variety is there. If you are planning to tip the workers do it very discreetly as they can be very shy about taking the money. Most workers are only paid 2.50 tala an hour - so be a bit more generous, knowing that your tip is very appreciated and needed.