It is a long way from Newcastle in Australia and couple Francis Ieremia and Lora Tynan plan to make the best of it.

The former Manu Samoa rugby player and his partner are on the island visiting family, and are counting down to their three-year anniversary, which they will celebrate here.

They were at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel yesterday when the Samoa Observer caught up with them. Arriving over a week ago, the couple have visited the famous Papaseea Sliding rocks and caught up with Francis’ family in the village of Moata’a.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Laura said they enjoyed the time spent with family, with Francis adding that they are relieved to be in Samoa as bad weather is wreaking havoc in Australia. 

“The environment is really relaxing and it’s good to get away from everything back home. It’s bad weather back in Australia not like here in Samoa,” he said. 

The couple travel every six months to Samoa to catch-up with family. 

“We come back about every six months to visit his family in Moata’a, Falelauniu and Manono Tai,” Lora said.

And while Francis is reconnecting with his Samoan roots, Lora continues to embrace the Samoan experience, food being one of them. 

“I have tried a couple local foods and even with his (Francis) family and I really like it,” she said. 

When asked to comment on their holidays thus far, Lora said she enjoys swimming due to the excellent weather.  

“The service has been really good here. I have to say though the weather is excellent for swimming,” she added.

The couple will leave Samoa in a fortnight but will return to the island later in the year. 

“Lora has work but I will be back in November when rugby season is over,” Francis added.