This Girl’s Island Getaway in the Pacific Changed Her Life Forever

When I was young, I didn’t think much about being from California. That is, until people started asking me if I knew how to surf, and I said no. My family’s idea of a beach day was driving to Santa Cruz to eat mini-doughnuts and walk along the pier, bundled in sweatshirts, as the crashing waves soaked our ankles.

At 19, I moved to Hawaii for college. I went from not knowing anybody who surfed to living in a dorm with surfers on every floor. Suddenly, I had to learn. I signed up for surf lessons through my school, and with a borrowed board and a faded rash guard, I got out in the waves for the first time.

I fell in love instantly. The feeling of paddling out past the breaking waves, the thrill of waiting for the perfect one, the adrenaline as I popped up and rode the wave back to shore—it was magic.

The next summer, I decided to take a solo trip to Samoa. I was 20 years old and had only been surfing for a year, but I got the courage to travel to the other side of the world by myself. I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly fell in love with the island.

The Samoan people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. They welcomed me into their homes, taught me about their culture, and shared their love of the ocean with me. I spent my days surfing perfect waves, hiking through the rainforest, and swimming in crystal-clear waters.

One day, I was surfing at a beach called Lalomanu. The waves were small, but the water was warm and the scenery was beautiful. I was paddling out when I saw a group of local kids playing in the waves. They were laughing and splashing each other, and I couldn’t help but smile.

I paddled over to them and asked if I could join in. They smiled and said yes. I spent the next hour playing in the waves with these kids. We talked about surfing, school, and our families. I learned so much about Samoan culture, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with them.

As I was paddling back to shore, I realized that this trip had changed me forever. I had learned so much about myself and about the world. I had made new friends, and I had a new appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Mashea Alastuey is a freelance writer and photographer who loves to travel. She has been to over 25 countries, and she is always looking for new adventures. Mashea shares her experiences on her blog, The Adventure Project, where she hopes to inspire others to travel and explore the world.

As I got ready to leave Samoa, I felt a sense of sadness, but I also knew that I would be back. I had fallen in love with the island and its people, and I couldn’t wait to return.

I’ve been back to Samoa many times since that first trip. I’ve surfed some of the best waves of my life there, I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’ve learned so much about the Samoan culture. Samoa will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m so grateful for the experience it gave me.

If you’re thinking about taking a solo trip, I highly recommend it. It’s an amazing way to learn about yourself, meet new people, and see the world. Just be sure to do your research and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.