Day 7. Weds. 1/29; Samoa

Up at a decent time (6:15). Breakfast and then off to visit Robert Louis Stevens' home. Once there we are treated to a Kava ceremony, a ceremony to honor chiefs and visitors.  We drank a local brew made of bark from something....tastes just like dirt.  But in large quantities can be either an aphrodisiac or an hallucinogenic.  Samoans' have been able to hang onto their ethnic roots and traditions better than most Pacific Islanders. The family and community are the central part of their society. While they are westernized they haven't replaced their values and it just jumps out at you. They are largely a Christian nation which is also very evident and a sense of pride. They are very happy. There is little poverty and there are just a few who could be considered wealthy. It is extremely clean. No litter what so ever. Villages compete to win awards for cleanliness. All the homes look to be in good shape and well cared for.

After the ceremony we tour the home. Stevenson first came to Samoa 4 1/2 years before he died yet he had a big and positive influence. He move their for his health which was all ready declining. He died at 44. The home is lovely, surrounded by botanical gardens and beautiful vistas.we had no idea what a prolific warier he was and how diverse his topics were. That's evidenced by the contrast between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide and Treasure Island.  Then it's back to the hotel and of course we eat again. Then off to the plane and off to Australia. Another 4 hr time change. Two more great lectures during the flight and of course, a meal.
 We land in Cairns and then bus to Port Douglas. On the bus we get the first disappointment of the trip. A cyclone is passing the coast and going to the Great Barrier Reef has had to be cancelled. We get other nice options to explore but it's a disappointment. We check in, make new plans for tomorrow, freshen up and by now you know what comes next! Off to bed!