Post #6385 by Tiki Motu on Wed, Aug 21, 2002 8:57 AM

I'm a cartographer for a publishing company in Sydney.I've always been drawn to Tikis for as long as I can remember, must have been that steady diet of National Geographic Magazines! I'm also an artist - drawing, painting, & sculpture etc. I recently carved a couple of fine Tikis out of aerated concrete blocks - I was even able to show them off(from a photo) to Shag!,when he was in Sydney last May.
I love to travel (Backpacking only)when time & money allows.Places I've enjoyed thoroughly are Japan, Guatemala (& the whole Maya region),USA, & New Zealand. But the place that really awoke the Tiki within was Samoa! I had 3 weeks in this Polynesian paradise in 1998, & so long as you don't mind roughing it(cold showers, no Air-con)& are not in a hurry you can stay in your own thatched hut (called a 'fale')on the beach for about $15USD a night(including Breakfast & Dinner).This is Independent Samoa I'm talking about NOT nearby American Samoa.
Despite all the appearances of the most traditional Polynesian society around, Tikis are rarely to be seen - if at all. Kava (Ava in Samoa)Bowls though can be found.
If you want an extremely laid-back holiday with a traditional culture thrown in, Samoa will reward you, without breaking the bank!
I'd love to go back. My next trip I hope will be the Cook Islands -not as traditional I believe, but with great scenery & Tiki carvings to buy!