Introduction
Talofa Lava!
I am Fang Tuigamala, a proud daughter of Samoa and South Auckland. I am currently completing a Master of Arts in Pacific Studies, with an undergraduate background in Social Sciences and History. Guided by a curious spirit, I’m always pursuing new passions and drawn to learning about different cultures, faiths, and people from all walks of life.
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The Face of God in Mumbai
It’s beautiful how the stories we tell can come full circle. Recently, I spoke to my congregation about seeing the face of God in the least among us. To illustrate this point, I shared a story about a woman who receives this letter from God: “I will be coming over for dinner tonight. Please prepare…Continue…
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Mumbai: City of Contrasts
Mumbai is a colourful and boisterous city, a sensory overload best captured in its iconic markets filled with eager shoppers. The spices, flower garlands, glittering sarees, and stunning garments make walking through a market in Mumbai feel almost like a fever dream. As I stop to admire stone handbags adorned with pearls, hand-stitched decorative rugs,…Continue…
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A Colossal World
Every day, I found myself saying, “India is so colossal!” And it truly was. In six weeks, I felt like I had done it all—marvelling at the towering Taj Mahal in Agra, standing amongst the countless pilgrims in the ancient city of Varanasi, paragliding over the mesmerising mountains in Lonavala, and exploring both the enigmatic…Continue…
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Sarees & Seis
India is like the great act no one wants to follow—anything that comes after feels pale in comparison. Not as exhilarating, not as captivating, not as exciting. At least, that is how it has felt for me as I hesitantly eased back into routine after the most extraordinary adventure. Returning home required an adjustment. The…Continue…