Greetings from a lush, beautiful and, above all, hospitable South Seas Island.
First of all, I must dispel any preconceived notions the reader may harbour regarding the American presence in American Samoa. It was a shock to me, as it may be to you, just how un-American the place feels. As those who have read my previous update will know, my arrival to Samoa was somewhat unconventionl. I rowed ashore onto a beach in the little village of Alofau. As I entered the bay, I saw a big church (one of at least three in the village), I saw a man standing under a large fig tree casting a net, and I saw an old fibreglass outrigger fishing canoe tied to a coconut palm; all bathed in the warm afternoon sun and contrasting with the towering green mountain above. I stepped ashore, staggered down the road and took it all in: lush vegetation, tidy and neat block homes, men walking in their lavalavas, a small store, kids swimming, and dogs wandering about. It was all very quaint; it was all very Polynesian.
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Norman Palmer says:
I am truly jealous.
Aren Carpenter says:
Thank you Tom for this fascinating journey you are taking in real time.Your ability to write so well about it provides great insight into the world and it’s people. We here in Vermont lying on our tempurpedic mattress sipping arabica coffee from OCH mugs appreciate you punishing yourself for our delight! Of course,we have the added constant worry about your safety since this is all in real time.It’s good Steve is keeping an eye on you
lans stout says:
Great observation of how a strong foundation of elders, wisdom & God lead to harmony & happiness within the community…Tom’s a great observer & his strength is his ability to be humble & find joy in the basics that are always there but overlooked by so many! Wonderful story, thank you Tom & OCH for the platform! Lans
James Thomas says:
So revelatory to read Tom’s experiences of life in Samoa. Here in Washington State, in my city people are living on the roadside in tents, begging at intersections, and falling through the scanty social net, a sad tale of our modern, advanced Western civilization. Such a contrast.