Question for folks who have been to samoa

Hi all,

I just returned from a great week in Samoa and met some of the coolest people. I spent my full time on Upolu (have to make it to savaii the next time) - a few days in Apia, a few on lalomanu, and a few in Saana'pu.

Anyway, I had a question for those of you who have been to Samoa before. Is it common for Samoans to give gifts to people? I ask because I received numerous gifts from the people I encountered while I was there - at one of the fales that I stayed at, they gave me a pair of earrings and a bracelet. I assumed this was just a normal "thank you" for staying at their fale. But then, when I went to the flea market, and bought a few items from different vendors (and I'm talking minor - a pair of earrings for 5 tala, a necklace earring set for 8 tala, a purse for 10 tala, etc), almost each of the vendors said "i want to give you a gift and wish you safe travels".. and then proceeded to give me either a few additonal pairs of earrings, an extra necklace, a samoa souvenir, etc., etc.) I'll admit I was a bit taken aback but very happily surprised because it seemed that the "gifts" were either equal or more than what I actually spent with each of them.

This happened at another Hotel that I stayed in - one of the workers gave me something on my last day as I was packing up and she told me goodbye, and then a girl that I met and took me out dancing with her and her friends one night, then wanted to give me a going away gift and bought me a lava-lava. (fyi, I am a female and people were just super friendly)

granted, i did a lot of talking and interacting with many of the people during my time there, so we had a pretty good rapport, but just wondering if this is normal or did I luck out and meet some really warm Samoans?

Thanks!

People who are extremely friendly, talkative and warm hearted will find Samoa to be a fabulous place.

Those who are loners, unnervingly quiet or have miserable personalities will find it quite hell-like.

Samoa is a magical experience

Mind you, no one is ever going to admit to being a loner or being miserable.

Well, sellers/businesses giving small "presents" to customers is quite common worldwide - though I am practical-minded enough to assume that this has more to do with trying to lure those customers back than with actual warm-heartedness! ;-)

Being given presents by friends you meet away from business is obviously a different matter, and something I must admit I myself only experienced in PNG and (very commonly) Vanuatu in the South Pacific.

Laszlo, where are you NOW?

Just back from Misool, preparing to board a ship for Ternate in an hour or so.

Interesting new signo line, BTW.

It is, isn't it? .... My friend tezza has led me to all kinds of new musings lately.

Thanks Laszlo - yeah, I've experienced the small gifts from vendors in other countries, too. But this definitely stood out because the gifts were more than what I actually bought, and after talking to them over a few days (and not buying anything until my last day) they knew my flight was out that evening and I wouldn't be back.

I would've just thought the same, but when coupled with the multiple gifts from non-vendors, then that really made me say "Is this normal? Wow. Samoans are sure hospitable" because in 7 continents and 30 countries, I'd never experienced anything like that.

Maybe I just lucked out and met some really nice people across the island - b/c after reading some of the other comments on here about Samoa, I wonder if I visited the same country! They're kinda harsh...

You will always find good and bad everywhere. So to some part you were just lucky, but I really think you contributed to it too as you gave something to the people you met as well (maybe without even knowing it).

I very much agree with islandboi (#1). I think you are someone who meets people with a smile, are just friendly, polite and without any arrogance. Especially that. None of that infamous "Where I come from we do ..." or "You Samoans should do/be ..." or "You should be happy that I come here and spend ... " that they are so much used to from some other visitors.

That is a gift you gave to them as I am sure that you left that out completely, were acceptive and respectful. Samoans love you then and whom they love they give to. Without any business in mind and not regarding cost or material value. It is just a reflex - they simply cannot help it, lol.