VAVE JAMES MELEISEA’S 80-DAY JOURNEY ENDS IN ESWATINI

By Tlalane Dlamini

For New Zealand-based Samoan traveller Vave James Meleisea, Eswatini has become more than just another destination on the map, it is the final stop on an extraordinary 80-day journey around the world.

Meleisea, who is of Samoan descent, is travelling the world while pursuing a unique personal tradition: collecting a flag from every country he visits. On Day 79 of his journey, Eswatini made the cut as the final country on his itinerary before he completes his 80-day adventure.

Visiting the Kingdom for the first time, Meleisea spent a day experiencing Eswatini before continuing his journey. Despite the short visit, he said he had already been impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality he received.

“I’m here in Eswatini for the first time. I collect flags from every country I go to. I’m on Day 79 of 80 days around the world, and Eswatini made the cut, and my last country to see,” he shared.

For Meleisea, the visit also offered an opportunity to add another national flag to his growing collection while experiencing a new culture and destination.

He expressed his appreciation for the reception he received during his time in the Kingdom, saying he had been made to feel welcome since arriving.

“I’ve come here just for the day before we head out, and I’m enjoying being most welcome since we’ve been here. Thank you so much,” he said.

His brief visit highlights the role that meaningful hospitality can play in shaping a traveller’s experience. Although Eswatini was his final destination on this particular journey, the warmth he encountered may well become one of the memories he carries with him long after completing his adventure.

As Meleisea continues towards the final chapter of his 80 Days Around the World journey, Eswatini now holds a special place in his collection, not only as another flag, but as the country that brought his remarkable global adventure to its final destination.

For a traveller collecting the world one flag at a time, Eswatini certainly made the cut.