Bodyguards, Chocolate and Whipping Cream

 

Whoa, whoa, woah - who am I with the mid week entry? Normally I would wait until the end of the week to share my reflections, but this one needed a space all on its own.

Now, before I came to Samoa, my lovely BFF warned me that I was not to walk anywhere alone - ever. He also said to bring any snacks I might like because I probably wouldn't be able to find what I wanted easily. Now, I was pretty sure his dramatic arse was being exactly that; dramatic. However, today I learnt that maybe, just maybe, he was right. 

It all started on my afternoon trip to find reasonably priced chocolate and whipping cream for the cheesecake I had promised my Samoan aiga this week. Now let me tell you, both of these tasks were almost impossible. Chocolate is imported from American Samoa, Australia and NZ and is sensibly placed in chilled sections of the supermarkets over here - which was why initially I couldn’t find it ANYWHERE. It’s so hot that some stores don’t even stock it. One place had a magical beer chiller style walk in area FILLED with imported chocolates and candy, a la Willy Wonka in Samoa. That was cool! Anyway, I finally found what I was after - a nice block of Whittakers White chocolate, but you best believe I closed my eyes as the cashier scanned it - I’m sure I paid triple what I would in NZ, but ah well - it was for a good cause!

Whipping cream. Righto, so I thought this one would be easier than the chocolate - but man was I wrong. After visiting 3 supermarkets and only discovering dairy whip, we FINALLY found some whipping cream at a place that sold everything from food to pool toys. Samoa is such a cool place, but never before have I appreciated the ease with which I can find and purchase normal household grocery items. 

Anyway, back to one of the numerous supermarkets. I was patiently standing in line with Nissi to pay for the (clearly gold encrusted) chocolate bar when we both felt a weird senses of someone standing a little too close for comfort. Immediately behind us, this young man kept sidling closer and closer. Awkward right? Next minute Nissi moved so that she was between this young man and me, her face showing clearly that he better not try what we both felt he might be about to try. Who’d have thought I’d have a 15 year old bodyguard? She assured afterwards me that her boxing skills were pretty decent and she was ready to kick him in places we don’t need to discuss here on this blog. You know what I mean though. But the story isn’t over yet. With Nissi’s glare of doom, the boy left the shop, looking back at us the whole time. As we walked out towards the car, Nissi informed her dad. I didn’t understand the Samoan that he immediately yelled at the boy, but I later learned it was something about rearranging his face if he dared to try anything. And that’s the polite version. 

So, lessons learnt. Always take your bodyguards on shopping trips, bring a suitcase of chocolate every time I visit Samoa, and always look for your desired grocery item where you least expect it to be.

Till next time.