151. Trip to Samoa
© Bruce Goodman 10 March 2014




It was an exciting time for Jenny and her sister, Norma. After years of chatting about it, they were at last going on their first overseas trip. So much to do! So much to think of and plan! They were going to Samoa; to a beach resort. What would they need to bring to wear? How much spending money do they take? Do they have Mastercard? What does one do when one steps off the plane? How do you go through Customs? How do you say Hello in Samoan? Talofa!

Their new, pristine, unstamped passports had arrived. The tickets were booked. The departure day drew near.

And… off they went!

Talofa! They were like children on Christmas morning!

Through Customs! Talofa to you, too. Then on to their little traditional cabin on the beach among the coconut palms. It was heaven!

Police in green reflective vests searched a ghastly landscape of mud-strewn streets, pulverized homes and bodies scattered in a swamp Wednesday as dazed survivors emerged from the muck and mire of an earthquake and tsunami that killed 119 in Samoa.

Military transports flew medical personnel, food, water and medicine to the islands of Samoa, which were devastated by the wall of water triggered by Tuesday morning’s undersea earthquake. One cargo plane brought in a temporary morgue and a body identification team — with officials expecting the death toll to rise as more areas are searched.


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