can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Paw Paw - Log Day 197: South Pacific's Best Kept Secret?



The officialdom process ended up being nothing like what was described in all our cruising guides or what was noted on noonsite. The only step we managed to get completed after waiting on board most of the day was to obtain our release from quarantine by the Health Department after they eventually came out to Paw Paw this afternoon. It appears we are deemed healthy enough to enter the country and allowed on land.

Unfortunately when trying to get the rest of the process completed ie Customs and Immigration, we were told that the officials had to return to their offices, but had left the necessary documentation with the marina staff for us to complete and return to their offices tomorrow. Add to that the fact that there is a policy that all yachts have to go into the marina unless the marina is unable to accommodate the draft of the vessel or they do not have room. In our case they claimed they had space until they saw the size of Paw Paw., but still tried to convince us we could squeeze in. After a conversation with the marina manager they were left with no option but to allow us to remain in the anchorage. That in itself created another bizarre circumstance after we were directed to the Port Authorities to settle our anchorage fees, since we wouldn't be staying in the marina. When we got there they had no idea what to charge us and seemed clueless as to what to do with us, other than to ask us to please come back tomorrow. Very strange indeed, since there are many yachts in the marina and other yachts in the anchorage.

Anyway, given our quarantine release we were allowed to go ashore and have decided that Samoa may well be the South Pacific's best kept secret. Apia, the capital, is neat and tidy with well maintained roads, sidewalks, working traffic lights with pedestrian crossings and gorgeous old buildings dating back to when this was a German territory. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, banks, coffee shops etc. In fact it reminded us a lot of Colombia being a well managed, self-contained country. The icing on the cake is that it is as cheap as Colombia. We enjoyed a Happy Hour at the marina which included a large cocktail, four beers, two very tasty appetisers and only cost us the equivalent of $24.

The surprise of the day though, was our visit to the Sheridan Hotel. Once we were inside we couldn't understand why such a beautiful hotel was completely deserted. When we eventually found a lone individual in the swimming pool we learnt that the hotel is brand new and is only opening on 1 August. It turns out the individual we spoke to was a participants of the Australian Survivor TV show and they were all staying at the hotel. What does that tell you about the reality show?

Aside from that, we've found the people here to be friendly although more conservative and reserved than American Samoa. It was lovely, however, to see all the school children wearing a uniform, in traditional dress.

Based on our first impressions and feedback we received from a few other sailors whom we spoke to and who have been here for extended periods of time, we are looking forward to seeing the rest of the country.

0bbeb86a-f2d6-46c1-9230-fc8eaf4f9fe31964654923

Previous | Next