Aggie Grey's Hotel in Western Samoa

Visiting Manono

Going to Manono

Preparing the feast

Samoan Waterfall

The staff at Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia, Western Samoa, not only provided topnotch service but also performed in a show of native songs and dances. This is a sophisticated but friendly place to stay on the beautiful islands. To get closer to the South Sea islands' beach experience, we suggest the more expensive Sinalei on the other side of the island. It's run by the same family, descendants of the woman who gained her reputation for hospitality to soldiers during WWII.

Approaching the visitors' fale at Manono, we noticed a familiar flag. A Peace Corps worker had left this flag from his native Florida, which the villagers flew to welcome their visitors from the U.S.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the nearby island of Manono for a traditional kava ceremony and a grand buffet of native foods.

The meal and the entertainment were presented by the village's "single women's club." Here they grate coconut for the feast.

This gorgeous waterfall is just one of the treats of a dramatic and lush landscape. Note that Western Samoa is less developed but more interesting than nearby American Samoa, which is governed by the U.S. The people were exceedingly friendly.