Upolu Notes

Ok this is my last report from my recent three week trip to Samoa. Actually I do not have a lot to note on Upolu because I was staying at a house and not out in the tourist scene but this a few things that may be of interest. The one thing that was noticable was the growth of internet cafes in town...so lots of choices. I usually popped into the Down Town one near the market and it was a good sevice at fair price. Another thing I noticed was the huge amount of taxis there are now in town. Usually I would use the local bus but if I was hot and tired a taxi ride home was great and only 6 tala to my house in Lotopa....3 miles or so from town. Actually I don't know how they make money at those rates.

I did call in to visit a nearby guest lodge one day....one that is owned by my son's teacher from 30 years ago. I was very impressed by the place so I would like to put a good word in for them and if you are looking for a place a little more out of town in the suberbs you might like to take note. The place is called Rita's Lodge at Lotopa.....on the road that goes up to sliding rock. There are bunk rooms for back packers at 30 tala a night per person. Seperate communal kitchen, fale lounge and washing machine. There are also air conditioned family cabins with two bedrooms for 130 tala a night....one night free for a weeks stay. A nice garden setting. Very clean and well kept. Lots of buses going past to town. Pleasant owners. A well stocked food store across the road. <ritlodge@samoa.ws>

aloha