Things to do in Samoa
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Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is set in the Scottish author's beautifully restored former residence, Villa Vailima. Stevenson had the mansion built in 1890 after deciding the climate of 'Upolu might ameliorate his tuberculosis, but he died there a mere four years later. Stevenson and his wife Fanny Osborne are buried in the adjacent Mt Vaea Scenic Reserve.
His gravesite looks out over the 'Upolu's white fringe of reef and the distant horizon. After he died the people of Upolu worked 24 hours non-stop to hack a path to the top of the hill so that the body of their beloved tusitala ('storyteller') could be buried the next day with full ceremonial privileges.
On the…
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Lake Lanoto'o
Also known as Goldfish Lake, Lake Lanoto'o is an eerie, pea-green crater lake full of wild goldfish (and leeches). It's a great place for a swim, but a little spooky because of alternating warm and cold currents, and the fact that the bottom of the lake has never been found. Very few visitors ever see this lovely and unusual spot.
During the German occupation of Samoa it was a popular picnicking spot. Cavalcades of parasol-shaded young women were escorted to Lake Lanoto'o by German soldiers or courtly Europeans doing the wooing thing.
Due to the overgrown maze of trails leading to the lake, it's strongly recommended that hikers hire a guide.
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Papasee'a Sliding Rock
Kids and adults alike have a great time skimming down the waterfall into a cool rock pool at Papasee'a Sliding Rock. Competition for a seat at the top of the main 5m slide can be fierce, but there are also three smaller slides to enjoy. If you visit during the dry season, check that the water level in the pool is deep enough to be safe.
The path down to the pool comprises a steep, slippery, 200-step stairway, so save some energy for the climb back up.
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