teepee go travel: Samoa: A year ago and today.

By Tim Wimborne, Reuters Taken: 9/30/2009

I remember it with vivid detail. Ricky, Halen and I were walking from out tiny village hut towards the famed Lalomano where the tourists in the know, or more accurately, those willing to actually spend money on their vacation, boasted about staying in front of a picturesque island and perfect snorkeling. My frugal mind suggested we walk the 3 or so kilometers to the beach, which wasn't so bad, but still ended up in hitching rides to our destination. On the walk we tried our luck with promising snorkel spots only to find that small pacific island snorkel spots are jewels and must be sought for. We kept walking and finally, Samoa started to dazzle. We found the idyllic place to see the underwater kingdom. Lalomano showed us pristine white sand, never to be replicated. Leaning palm trees providing perfect shade. See-through water that invited hours of underwater enjoyment and sunburned backs. This place was Lalumano, this place was our first calm, awe inspiring experience in our Pacific-Asia trip last year.

This photo was taken by Halen, at Lalomano.Then.

This photo is the very spot where our bodies once rested, and where many lost their lives, their homes, their solidity. Now. Above: By Phil Walter, Getty Images Taken: 9/30/2009 Above: By Rick Rycroft, AP Taken: 9/30/2009 Above: (source:By Phil Walter, Getty Images Taken: 9/30/2009) This is the furthest down the road we walked to get to Lalomano - I remember this particular spot, with its abundance of Plumeria trees and a small farm on the right of this picture. Above: By Hugh Gentry, Reuters Taken: 9/30/2009 I am sure you have heard of this from the news. But thats the problem. The news runs over these catastrophes like they are of no significance. All life is valued. And with the loss of a special, special person in my life it makes it all the more touching and these events are really brought home. Thank you for reading. Everything is in change. To everyone. teepee