What can I expect?
An experience full of new discoveries, to intermingle with a people in a culture wholly different from the United States, to make new friends, to lead the group and to follow, to learn new things and possibly overcome fears. To have more fun than you ever thought possible.
Where will I sleep?
On the island of Upolu we sleep at Hidden Garden Guesthouse. There are screened in bungalows with a range of two to four beds in a bungalow. On the island of Savai'i in the village of Lu'ua you will sleep in an open fale. Camping, we will sleep under a tarp on sleeping pads. In all cases you will be with at least one other person from our group in any sleeping arrangement.
What do we eat?
While we are at Hidden Gardens Guesthouse it will be the responsibility of the group to acquire food and prepare lunch and dinner. There are open air markets with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as nearby supermarkets. In Lu'ua the family of the fale you stay in prepares the food. Volunteer to help if you're interested. It may be fresh fish, chicken soup, fried turkey tail, pork, breadfruit, or taro. For the most part is it is either picked, caught, or killed that day for the meal. Don't worry if there's nothing you want a market is down the road, but Samoans are very accommodating and forgiving of our sometimes bizarre diets. Tell them what you like and you'll usually get it.
How good is the food?
The food can be an adventure and is always a definitive part in a cultural experience. It is always fresh. Whether it is "good" can be a matter of opinion. If it's the participants cooking it can be a matter of who cooked.
What if I'm a vegetarian or have diet restrictions?
Please note any diet restrictions on your application and health form so that we may have advance notice and an opportunity to discuss this before departure. Any food restriction can be accommodated with time to plan for it.
What if I get sick?
It can happen and is sometimes an inevitable part of exploring places far different from our own. It is not any reason not to do it. Maladies like heat exhaustion or traveller's diarrhea is treatable by our staff. At least one leader has a Wilderness EMT certification. For a malady more involved there are health care facilities nearby.
