When one crosses the International Date Line going east, there is the opportunity to correct on day two all the things you didn’t like on day one!  So – here we go.

Sunday, July 13 – day one in Samoa.  Oceania has gotten very little wrong, but the planning of the two ports for the current two days was not the best.  The Samoans are deeply religious people (and very tolerant of all religions), which means that VERY little is open on Sunday.  Except all the churches.

The Independent State of Samoa, previously known as Western Samoa, is another island country in Polynesia in the South Pacific.  (There are really a LOT of islands out here!!!).  Apia, its capital, is located on one of the two main islands making up the country.  The country’s population is a mere 200,000 – although this changes regularly as the younger people leave the country for opportunities elsewhere, mainly New Zealand.

A quick walk along the waterfront will take you to their iconic clock tower adjacent to the breakwater for the harbor.

The primary sight to see on this small island is the home of Robert Louis Stevenson, which is now a museum.  He took to Samoa and spent his final years there.  Other sights to see are the many churches on the island.  Since it was Sunday when this visit took place they WERE open for all to see.  Especially beautiful is the Catholic church which sits right on the waterfront street.  It was severely damaged, rebuilt and reopened in 2014.  The exterior stands out from the more basic buildings surrounding it and the interior is stunning!  The mahogany woodwork was completed by local labor while the stained glass was imported.  Thank goodness it was open.

A walk around town will provide color, interesting sights and memories for two old accountants;-)

Now – there is this “line” located halfway around the world from the prime meridian (0 degrees longitude) that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole and marks the Western and Eastern Hemisphere divide.  It is known as the International Date Line (IDL) and is at 180 degrees longitude.  If you cross this line traveling east you lose a day – or repeat the same day over again.  Groundhog day!!

So – Sunday, July 13 AGAIN – day two in American Samoa;-). Remembering that the Samoans (in the Independent State or American) are very religious people this means nothing is open today;-(

The Samoan Islands were once one politically.  In the late 1800’s, the countries of Germany, UK and US struggled for political control.  This ultimately ended with Germany (subsequently NZ a German colony) having control of Western Samoa and the US having control of the Eastern half of the island complex.  The Western half ultimately won its independence but the Eastern portion of Samoa still remains a US territory – the only such territory south of the equator almost 5,000 miles from Los Angeles.

American Samoa’s culture goes back 2,900 years, it served a vital role during WWII and today holds firm to many of its ancient cultural ideals.  Its capital is Pago Pago and Starkist is its largest employer employing 80% of its population.  It is a very friendly, colorful, welcoming territory.

The southern most US National Park resides in American Samoa in this beautiful, lush land.

It is unfortunate that these two days in this very pleasant area were Sundays and activities were limited.  But, the people encountered were happy to see visitors and incredibly warm, friendly and helpful.

Having a second day to get things right didn’t help a whole lot.  But, the days were enjoyed with beautiful scenery and warm, friendly hosts.

E & G – On to Bora Bora