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Western SamoaJul 23, 2008
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Pilot coming on board to take us in to port
Apia
Festival at Pago Pago
| 21st-22 day 7. 8 & 9 days. On the Sun Princess As we crossed the International date we had two Monday’s the 21st one at sea and the other at Apia. Monday Western Samoa docked in at 8.am at Apia, very interesting arrival - Port area very small & the Captain did a 180deg turn at the entrance of the harbour- only had about 10m either end of ship to play with. Breakwater rocks at the stern & a huge steel buoy at the bow plus shallow water. We walked to the town - ½ an hour - very humid & hot. Had a look at the markets, had a couple of local beers at around 10.00 am with toasted local ham, cheese & onion sandwich just great. Checked out the local internet- gaming house checked our emails, then on to the famous Aggie Grey Hotel (Musical South Pacific) was based on her life!! Back on ship to be amazed once more by the Captain moving us out of this very tight harbour. Tuesday Travelled all night and arrived at USA Eastern Samoa - Pago Pago - pronounced Pango Pango . Docked at 8.0am - Fabulous Harbour - Mother nature created the bay when the seaward wall of a great volcano, collapsed , allowing the water to enter the steep sided volcano and creating one of the best most spectacular natural harbours in the South Pacific. The USA has control but locals elections and local government run the place although they cannot vote in a USA election. About 9000 people scattered around the island. Robert Lewis Stevenson spent the last 4 years of his life here. The Samoa people are very religious and Christianity is taken very seriously as a number of hundreds of churches are evident on the Island. Here a village minister is on the same level with a high chief. We walked to the town from the ship about a 5 minute walk then caught a taxi for $20 US dollars for 1 hour and toured around half of the Island. Lot of visitors at the moment due to a Local South Pacific Art/Cultural week hosted by the East Samoans also a large group of Australian Aboriginals are here to represent Australian indigenous people. Left this lovely Island at 5.00pm and we will have a day at sea tomorrow heading to the Cook Islands. Cheers to all Petra & Brian |
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