Wordless Wednesday: Sunset in Samoa

To Sua Trench - Samoa

The most amazing place we went to in Samoa has to be the To Sua Trench. It literally means 'full'. The trench is a sea-fed cave in the ground... one with a giant ladder to reach the pool below.

The swimming was amazing. The pool was deep, and clear, and simply mind blowing. We could snorkel and watch tiny fish, or just swim, or jump into the water from the platform. I spent time exploring the cave leading to the empty trench. The whole complex was well maintained, and to their credit, well organised.

There was also a sampling of all the wonders Samoa has to offer, from lava fields, to blow holes, to a private beach, tropical plants, and in a pleasant turn of events, a kiosk that sold cold water! Bliss. We even saw bats flying around the trees. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Samoa!

I have been a lax blogger of late.  All to easily I was lured to Tumblr and Pinterest and forgot to blog on getting my stuff from my insurance company.

Anyway... since I last blogged, I was in Samoa.  Beautiful islands, and a great non-touristy escape.  Parts of it were just beyond comparison, and other things left me not wanting to look out the window of my rental car.  But this will follow no doubt.  For now, some images to wet the appetite.  We were there just 3 weeks after Cyclone Evan.... and left before another tropical storm rolled in.

Destination Friday: Anything with a Beach

The weather is cooling here, and as much as I like falling leaves and roaring fires, I miss the beach. I was never much of a beach-bunny growing up, but when I finally learned to swim (about 5 years ago) I found myself loving being near water. The price I pay is sunburn... and a lot of it. But, thank goodness for rash-vests and SPF 80 sunscreen.

A secluded beach off of Va'vau in Tonga

The beach always seems so primal to me, real, and untouched. Living in the country means a trip to the beach is rugged, and isolated, which I love. When traveling beaches remind me of home, because the oceans all touch each other. Every drop of water is a drop closer to home, and all the things I miss, all the things I'd rather forget, and a reminder that we are all only separated by space. People are the same, the world over, we just look different, speak different and have different aspirations. Other than that, we long for home, we seek our own adventures and we carry on carrying on.

So this week, where is your happy place? Link up any travel related post, or just a post that shows where you are happiest. Thanks for reading.