Independence Day

Yesterday was Independence Day here in Samoa. Well, actually, Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand sometime in late January, but it was officially decided that that is a crummy time of year to celebrate independence since it’s often rainy and cycloney, so celebration of independence was reassigned to June 1st. We went into town to check out the festivities which included long distance rowing races that ended in Apia harbor, marching girls, band performances and traditional Samoan dancing, along with substantial quantities of BBQ and other food items. It was quite fun checking everything out and squeezing through the hordes to get a peak at the boats as they were coming by. Albeit a bit sunburnt, it was definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon and interesting to see how Samoa celebrates their independence.