u/Serpents_disobeyed

Talofa lava! I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Samoa in 1993-1994, teaching math and science at Vaipouli College on Savaii. I haven’t been back for thirty years, but I have a trip planned for the last week of July.

I’ve been assuming that other than the two hotels I have booked, I’m going to need cash for everything else — that is, a faleoloa won’t take credit cards. Am I right about that? Sort of the same question about cell phone service; I’m assuming it’ll be pretty unreliable everywhere but maybe in Apia, but if I’m wrong about that I’d love to know.

And then, what should I see to get a sense of what’s changed in thirty years? I don’t have any big plans, just two days in and around Apia, probably walk up Mt Vaea for the view, and then two days on Savai’i. But is there anything you’d recommend?

I need a vanity to fit in a space that's just barely shy of 30", which cuts down my options, and I want something with as much storage as I can get, and in a bright color rather than black, white, or greige. This cuts out almost everything, but the Eviva Olivia looks like it works.

The problem is that I've never heard of the brand before, the reviews are mixed, and it's manufactured wood, which makes me worry that it'll look like trash in a year. Does anyone know the brand to reassure me?

On the other hand, does anyone have another suggestion that fits the three requirements of: bigger than 24" but less than 30"; lots of storage (that is, not a floating cabinet with one small drawer; and a bright color, but from a brand you can recommend as sturdy?