Wow! I truly cannot believe that my four months of island hopping between Oahu, Upolu, Savai'i, Fiji, Namu'a and Maui have officially come to an end. I have now lived on three Samoan and two Hawaiian islands. I don't think that's something most people can say! I've grown and learned so much during my four months traveling across the Pacific, and I am sad to say that my journey has reached an end.
I must admit that there were some difficult moments too, but I think this is to be expected during any long trip. I've gotten lost, been misunderstood, lost personal possessions and had food poisoning! However, I also made new friends, connected with my Samoan families, laughed and had the opportunity to see some of the world's most unique tropical rainforests. I was enthralled by the natural beauty of the Pacific islands, but unlike a tourist on a brief holiday, I also experienced Samoan culture firsthand.
Samoa has definitely changed my perspective. I have a new appreciation for the basic amenities most Americans take for granted, like clean drinking water, air conditioning and reliable internet access. In the future, I will feel more confident traveling by myself because of this trip.
