Talofa from Pago Pago

Trip Start Aug 31, 2007
1
11
20
Trip End Nov 03, 2007


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of American Samoa  ,
Wednesday, September 19, 2007

"Tah-low-fah" is hello in Samoan on this island of Pago Pago ("Pango Pango"). Am. Samoa is an incorporated territory of the U.S. and Pago Pago is the seat of government. The currency is U.S. dollars and both English and Samoan are spoken. Despite the Western influences, however, Fa'a Samoa-the Samoan way of life- still retains its basic unit, the extended family. Each village is ruled by a Samoan chief. If someone misbehaves, their home is burned to the ground and no one is allowed to help. A central fale is used for entertaining and the family members stay together, even after death. There are no public cemeteries for Samoans; the graves of loved ones line up alongside the fale. One of their important holidays is White Sunday, a special day for children. The children lead the church services and are served special foods and receive special gifts and clothing to wear. The women wear the traditional tunic and long skirt, often with fresh flower leis. The men wear bright, knee length wraparound skirts called lava lavas.

Only a Samoan may own land and even the beaches are privately owned. You must request permission from the family to use the beach. One beach, called $2. Beach, is named because that is what the family charges. Th main industry is fishing and a huge cannery here is owned by Star Kist Tuna. The big fishing boats have a small heliocopter on the deck pad which is used to hunt for schools of tuna. Wish I had that kind of resource in Mexico!

Gwen and I walked about 3 miles to one end of the town, came back to the ship for lunch, then walked about 3 miles to the other end. The Samoans were very friendly, we saw beautiful trees and flowers but this city is not a high point of our trip.

The Capt. announced that we will be dropping off the "Tin Can mail" tomorrow morning and to have our cards and letters in by tomorrow morning so we have a little more time. If you have not sent me your mailing address and would like to receive a postcard, please send it now. Fa'afafine ("fah-fee-tie")-Thank you.

Tofa ("tow-fah")- Goodbye!!
Linda
Print this entry Pago Pago hotels