American Samoa

This morning, we were awake before 7:00 AM, as we cruised into the harbor on the island of Tutuila. Geologically, the island was a long volcano. One side of the crater collapsed to let in the sea water. The ship cruised to Pago Pago to dock. Dense, green, rain-forest vegetation wraps the hillsides.






Buses at the dock

The island is not as commercial as many, and this is the first time that the Queen Elizabeth has docked here. The dock is not as long as the ship - we hang off on each end. For our morning tour, we are met by buses with bench seats, each uniquely decorated.


Our bus says “God is Awesome” in gold letters over the windshield on the outside. Our two guides are students in the junior college - the only school of higher education on the island. They are Polynesian women, statuesque, with lovely voices. To continue their education they will have to go to the US, New Zealand, or Australia. We hear Polynesian songs along the way, and learn a few chants.

Jean and our guide Swan at the bus



Local church

They describe the problems of the islands. Obesity is a major problem, especially for the men. The diet is rich in fats. Other problems include gambling, alcohol abuse, and teen pregnancy. (Parents go out to gamble, the young men drink and go to the homes of the young women while the parents are away.)

We learn some of the myths of Samoa. The gods here are no different than the Greek god’s, indiscriminant mating with various relations forms the islands, and some of the land marks. We learn a myth about a couple who are turned into a shark and tortoise. We visit the place where they should appear when called. Unfortunately, it’s a no show. We see "the flowerpots", the iconic small islands that are used on the American Samoa license plates. Before we sail, there is a show in the theater, put on by a local dance group - including children under 5 years of age.

The Flowerpots

This is Valentines day - we will have a formal dinner and dance tonight. Tomorrow we cross the dateline. We have been about 8 hours behind the East Cost. We will lose the 15th of February completely. So after today, we will be ahead of everyone at home. The new day starts here, tomorrow. It will be February 16 tomorrow.