Schaefermeyers in Samoa: We Went to a Garden Party at Robert Louis Stevenson Mansion/Museum

We couldn't ask for a better send off to travel to the city of Pago Pago in Amercian Samoa on the island of Tutuila, than the garden party at the Robert Louis Stevenson Mansion/Museum. Rex Maughan, a very wealthy LDS who served a mission in Samoa is responsible for restoring this home and keeping it maintained and staffed. Every year at this same time (end of August) he, Jim Winegar and Phil Goodrich (all former Samoan missionaries) come back for an annual visit. They sponsor a garden party on the lawn in the front of the mansion and invite members of the tourist industry and board, Samoa's parliament, media owners, university presidents and staff, and senior LDS missionaries. Wow, what an event.

We were asked to dress in Samoan style. As you see, I have had a puletasi made and Theron wore his lava lava. You arrive early evening just as the sun is setting. Large tents with decorated tables and chairs are set-up, a dance floor has been installed, a podium and sound system are on one side and on either side of this there is an orchestra area and a DJ. The flowers arrangements are out of this world gorgeous. The staff is all dress in matching Samoan shirts and dresses. The caterers take up space under their own tent with multiple tables of food.

Before the event begins, you meet and greet people and then find a table. These are the Avei's from Woods Cross and Sister S'au. Below are the Ellsworths who are the office company.

The program is a mix of talking about the restoration, musical presentations and presentation of awards. During the program, appetizers are served which consist of sushi, calamari, shrimp, wontons, and toast with spicy tomato chutney. After the program, we all went to the buffet line and heaped our plates with palusami, ham, pork, crab, fish, stir fry, desserts, and much much more. Then dancing. We danced a few dances and about 10:30 p.m. we left for home. The whole ambiance was wow!!