When we were in Samoa earlier this year we visited Robert Louis Stevenson’s house. He suffered from ill-health for most of his life (thought to be tuberculosis) and spent time traveling through the South Pacific searching for a climate that suited him. In 1890 he purchased land in Samoa. He died suddenly on 3 December 1894 at the age of 44.
The house is in the middle of bush and surrounded by lots of grass and tropical plants. There’s a view over the trees to the sea.
The above photo is taken from inside the house and shows what the view is like.
We were given a guided tour around the house by Margaret who was very knowledgable and answered all our questions. I loved this place because we were actually allowed to touch. The valuable first editions, were of course, locked up but mostly there were none of the ropes and barricades found in stately homes.
The above photo shows the formal room. The wall paper is all batik style and that’s a lion skin on the floor.
This is a first edition of Kidnapped.
The above photo is Robert Louis Stevenson’s medicine cabinet complete with bottles and potions.
And this is me on the staircase. If you’re interested in learning more about Robert Louis Stevenson, check out his Wikipedia page here.
Don’t forget to visit me over at Nalini’s blog today. I’d love some company. Oh, and I’m giving away a prize 
You travel so much….it’s so cool. I really enjoy looking at all the pictures you post.
by N.J. Walters October 17th, 2007 at 4:20 amWow! I would love to visit there someday. And I wish I traveled even a fraction as much as you did. You’ll have to come visit Canada some day!
by Christine d'Abo October 17th, 2007 at 5:12 amShelley, what a wonderful trip! I love traveling and learning things of all the places I visit. Thanks for sharing it with us. And I’ll definitely look you up at Nalini’s blog!
by Red October 17th, 2007 at 8:21 amLol, I’m the woman who wears business suits in the house. I don’t even have casual clothes - the only amenity is that I wear older stuff that has adapted to the body.
As for writing - well, peeling a Roman officer out of his lorica segmentata can be fun.
by Gabriele October 17th, 2007 at 2:35 pmThanks, NJ. I do admit to having the travel bug!
Christine - I have seen a little bit of Canada. We did a trip from Anchorage down to Panama and traveled down the West coast of Canada. I loved what I saw - in fact, it reminded me of NZ quite a bit, except we’re all squashed up instead of big like Canada.
Red - it was a fun and relaxing trip. Oh, good. I wave hello over at Nalini’s place.
Gabriele - old clothes are the best. I love my old jeans. Undressing the Roman sounds interesting!
by Shelley Munro October 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pmVery cool!! I would love to go to Samoa! You lucky duck you. When I go to Nationals next year it will be my first time seeing the Pacific Ocean …ever.
by Amy Ruttan October 17th, 2007 at 5:38 pmOh! Oh! I’m pretty sure I’m going to Nationals next year. I’ll get to meet you.
by Shelley Munro October 17th, 2007 at 6:18 pmOkay this is just COOL. I loved Treasure Island and it’s one of the only books my father ever read. Stevenson was a fascinating person to read about as well.
by Mechele Armstrong aka Lany of Melany Logen October 18th, 2007 at 2:25 pmOoh ! Love this post. I need to visit here more often as I miss too much. Will be back to go over the last few weeks…..
by Connie October 18th, 2007 at 7:31 pmOoh ! Love this post. I need to visit here more often as I miss too much. Will be back to go over the last few weeks…..
forgot to link to my site so you know which Connie…..
by Connie October 18th, 2007 at 7:32 pmHi Connie - I haven’t visited your blog for ages and thought it was about time. I love your posts.
by Shelley Munro October 19th, 2007 at 6:51 pm