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If I were being correct about this section I would tell you that
there are two Samoas: American Samoa and Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), but the
whole thing gets quite confusing for those of us who aren't very
familiar with the South Pacific. So, I apologize to the Samoans for this
affront to their national pride. Samoa is really two different
countries. I have depicted the three different islands that we visited.
Tutuila is the main island in American Samoa. Pago Pago is the
main city which includes a very large harbor. We visited the island of
'Upolu in Western Samoa (now the independent country of "Samoa"). And we
visited Savai'i, another island of Samoa - the independent country. Here I call it by its former name:
"Western Samoa" - please excuse.
 There
are so many reasons why I love this picture. Check out that the
"football" is NOT a ball, but a coconut - one more of the many ways
people use the coconut! Also notice that about half of the guys are
wearing the traditional lavalava. Don't know if you can see it, but the
trash can is up on a steel post - that's to keep the garbage away from the dogs that
run wild on most of the islands.
 In
trying to choose a photo that depicted Western Samoa I chose this one of
a man walking along the road, carrying home an essential part of the
dinner. These taro leaves can be used for many things, but we enjoyed
them boiled up in coconut milk tasting a lot like spinach. Notice his
method of carrying the taro leaves. And also notice that he is wearing
shoes - something that is NOT normal in many islands we've visited. Here
in Samoa we seldom saw barefooted people. Whereas in the islands to the
east about half the people were barefooted, at school, on the job, etc.
 I
have chosen this photo to represent Savai'i because whether you actually
visit the westernmost island in the Samoa group or just sail on by you
will probably notice these huge spouts, which from a distance might make
you think there's a whale or two nearby. Actually, these huge crashing
waves and large spouts are a warming to stay well off! A comment about
the name of this island, Savai'i, just think Hawaii and you'll be close
to the right pronunciation. |
