Magic Circus of Samoa

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Maaaaaagic Circus of Saaaaammmmmmmmoooaaaa!”

Yes, the circus came to town this week and it was the talk of our wee lil’ island. It set up in Lions Park, the area adjacent to where we spent our orientation weeks, and consisted of a small “Big Top.” The circus definitely kept up with Samoan fashion and had a variety of entertaining yet not-so-crazy acts. (Unfortunately no lions or elephants made appearances). The night was made even better by the fact that KC and Courtney were in visiting from the outer island of Ta’u and got to partake in the experience with Kate, Julia, and me. 

The real excitement came with.....“the flash photography ordeal.” (gasp) Cameras were allowed but no flash. No biggie. We are used to that, and the ring master made about a dozen announcements remind us of the policy. However, the people in front of use used their flash a couple of times, but the security would come over to yell at US! Then they would open their phones to check the time and the sudden burst of light would be mistaken as a flash. So security would come over and yell at us. Near intermission Kate took out her camera, and as she turned it on, the screen lit up.... This, again, was mistaken as flash. One second later security came barreling towards our group, though this was technically our first time creating any sort of light (and nothing against the rules).

Security: "Madam that was your last chance you have to leave."

Kate: "But that was the only time I did anything!"

Security: “You have had too many warnings."

Kate: "No. That was the people in front of us!"

Security: "Madam, please, you have to leave the boss said so." He mentions as he points to the ringleader who pointed at Kate and made the 'get out' sign.

Kate: "Uh. Ok." (gets up and leaves)

Once out of the tent Kate was questioned, and when she explained the circumstances the security guard seemed content. But, apparently, when the ring leader makes the call there is no questioning it. The guard actually sneaked Kate back in for the remainder of the first act and she was allowed to rejoin us after intermission. 

The silly incident definitely made the night more memorable and provided some good laughs. We joked that they were “palagui profiling,” as we were on of the few groups of white people in the tent. All in all the night ended well and we were able to easily hitch back home. There’s nothing better than riding in the back of a pick up with the wind blowing at the end of a night!