Robert Louis Stevensen Museum – There’s No Place Like Home
Robert Louis Stevensen was a famous author who wrote a lot of classics like Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Kidnapped. Most of us probably have one of his classic books in our collection, or have probably read one of them during our lifetime.
He was originally from Scotland, but is buried in Samoa because his doctor told him to move to a complete change of climate because of ill health. Not a bad idea, because it doesn’t get that warm in wee bonnie Scotland. It was suspected that Robert Louis Stevensen suffered from tuberculosis, but this was never confirmed. He died in 1894, when he was only 44.
This is his grave, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is pointed towards Scotland.
Anyway, his old house has been converted into a museum in the village of Vailima, which is near the capital of Samoa, Apia. It’s a grand wooden house that contains a lot of Robert Louis Stevensen original pieces, replicas and memorabilia.
There’s even a few first editions of his famous books – such as Kidnapped, which is shown below.
However, the most unusual thing about the museum is this fireplace (never mind the now politically incorrect lion skin!).
The thing is, I didn’t wear anything more than shorts during my time in Samoa because it’s pretty hot and humid there. So I wondered why there was a fireplace in Robert Louis Stevensen’s house when it’s boiling outside? It’s not exactly cuddle up in front of the fireplace kind of weather!
Well, it wasn’t a functional fireplace. It was constructed there to remind Robert of home in Scotland! Somehow, the weather isn’t quite as nice there…
More Robert Louis Stevensen Stuff
More more info on Robert Louis Stevensen, see more at the Samoa Tourism Authority website.