Samoa continued

The next morning (Tuesday) we woke to a day that suggested it would be another wet one, but our Captain told us otherwise, so we had to believe him. There was a little bit of a logistical paperwork issue that needed to be resolved before we could go ashore, so tours were eventually just over an hour late starting.

We had chosen one that went to a tribal village to look at how they lived, and to sample some of their food and traditional entertainment. It was quite fun as the coaches of Pago Pago are very little more than a lorry with a wooden box on it that has windows (holes in wall) and benches to sit on. We had been warned and of the 20 or so people on board just four or five people had a shock and went into British 'whinge' mode.

Off we went and as per usual we now have a deep knowledge of the churches, schools, airport, golf course, petrol station as well as the location of the McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets. In amongst these important landmarks we also stopped to look at a pair of Islands just a few metres off shore of which one is known as 'Flowerpot Island' because it is topped with trees and other plants. There is a lover's tale associated with them which amused us, but it was difficult to give the story our full attention as the on board port guide had already recounted it. This stop was good as it gave a few people a chance to paddle in the sea while they took their photographs of what is a beautiful pair of tiny islands on an equally beautiful beach.

Onwards, no time to waste, there are more schools, churches and graves in peoples' front gardens to 'Coo! Ah! and Wow!' at. The stop at the golf course was for refreshments (everything three dollars) and surprisingly several people decided to take photographs of the course and it club house. Off we go again and this time we were off to the tribal village.

All the buses arrived in convoy which made sense, and after a brief introduction to everyone we were allowed to look at four huts (very traditional and pretty) where there were short demonstrations of how people slept, prepared coconuts and made a chocolate drink. These were all very interesting, if a little brief. The final hut awaited everyone before we had a demonstration of how the village people made their ovens from stones, coconut tree wood, and banana leaves, plus examples of the food they cooked. This was completed by exposing the opening up of a second oven where cooked food was now ready for us to sample. This food was hurriedly moved to the large village assembly room (they all have them) that acts as dining room, community centre and village council offices.

For those prepared to queue long enough, the food was wonderful but the organiser was suggesting we sit down to watch the dancing demonstration. Once again this was a very pleasant few minutes with traditionally dressed girls dancing to a traditional tune, followed by a rather large gentleman in not so traditional costume (white shirt and tie plus the wrap around 'skirt') doing his version of local dancing. Now whilst on the bus the guide had been teaching us a local song/chant and now it was our chance to impress the said gentleman with what we had learnt. We did our best to sound enthusiastic and it caused much laughter from the organising committee.

I had by now worked out quite a lot about this tour. Firstly the drivers and guides were all part of the same community and were now involved in the village demonstration. Our guide ended up dancing the 'Princess's' dance and our driver was now in full local costume. Two younger men who had been at the golf course answering questions were now at the village as well getting involved. The village site had other buses from the ones we had arrived in. This was one very organised tour company including everything from the transport through to the end product at the village.
Very clever business sense.

Anyway the dancing and singing continued with enthusiastic applause from the visitors until it was time to board the bus convoy again for the trip back home to Aurora. Once again we were entertained with the island's landmarks (churches, schools, graves in front gardens) and had some more singing to listen to and chants to perform. The enthusiasm for this was diminishing rapidly. As we passed by beautiful various types of trees and flowers, waterfalls, and other beaches we had a slight feeling of disappointment that nothing was being said about the obvious natural beauty of the island.

Back at the ship we made a decision not to look around the town anymore as there seemed to be very few shopping opportunities, and little else to encourage us. Perhaps if more of the people had seen the business chances available to visiting cruise ships there might also have been a few more shopping outlets. The island is beautiful, and there are many reasons for ships to come and see it, but it needs to have time to build itself up and make the most from desperate wallets.

Back on board we looked for mosquito bites (one each) and settled down to a day at sea before arriving in Fiji. I really feel I am becoming a traveller now, rather than a holiday maker.

Speak to you soon.