Upolu, the west

After a day of swimming in the Turtlepool (which is shaped like a turtle) and in the sea, doing some laundry and relaxing, we are on the move again, this time on the South Main Road heading west.

After a few kilometers of bumpy road, we discover another beautiful resort, Sa Moana, stunning! Here too there are individual cottages where guests stay, a saltwater pool, sandy beach and a club with a restaurant. We treat ourselves to a smoothie and enjoy the peace and the sea. The manageress recently took over the operation and comes from New Zealand. After a little chat, we move on.

We continue on another side road to the sea to the "Return To Paradise" resort, where the film of the same name was shot with Gary Cooper and Jonny Hudson. They want 40 Tala entrance fee to visit the beach, which we don't like considering the large construction work there, so we turn around.

Somehow we get lost and drive up the western Cross Island Road towards the north. No problem, we simply reverse our plan and drive back along the coastal road.

At the Le Vasa Resort at Cape Farusofia we take a rest, sit under the thatched roof by the sea and let our gaze wander. You can also have a great vacation here.

Continuing along the coastal road, we miss another exit. At first, this doesn't seem too bad, we have plenty of time. The road is not on the map. The road ceases to be a road and becomes an off-road track. Deep ruts have been washed out by the rain, sawn-off trees bear witness to the recent storms. We drive past small farms, villages. Children look at us in astonishment, stop us and want toll money. It's worth noting that they don't go to the driver's side, but to mine. Does Hajo look too daring? We negotiate a bit because we have almost no small change left, and finally they are satisfied. The girl kisses me on the cheek, and off we go.

There's a small river, without a bridge. A ford! Hajo dares, we make it through unscathed. After what feels like an eternity, we actually reach the road that we were supposed to use the whole time... all right, at least we've experienced the country and its people up close.

After a fantastic meal at the Coconut restaurant, we enjoy the evening with wine on the terrace by the sea.