My travels: South Pacific

Map above, on the left hand side two islands are Samoa, The Independent State of Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa. It became independent from New Zealand in 1962. It was admitted to UN in December 15, 1976. The capital is Apia. On the right side is American Samoa.

Apia

Samoa was previously located east of the international date line but in 2011, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele announced his country would move the International Date Line to the east of the country, so that Samoa would lie to the west of the date line.

We had date change before entering Apia and date change when we left Samoa to American Samoa. For example, it was 7 AM on April 14, but in Samoa is 7 AM on April 15.

The climate in this region is yearly high around 30 C and low about 22 to 23 C. Very comfortable, but it can be humid. On the day, April 15, 2014, when I was in Apia, it was hot and humid.

Black sand beach

Traditional man's dress is wearing skirt, not pants

New Zealand High Commission

Driving is on the left hand side

Australian High Commission

Catholic Cathedral

Cultural Centre

Government Building

From name, this is a Chinese owned store

Chinese donated tour bus, but not in use

American Samoa

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Here, you can see US flag, postal office and the postal code is 96799. Driving is on the right hand side. When I was in Pago Pago, the date was April 15, 2014 and when I was in Apia, Samoa it was also April 15, 2015. When I was there, CDC was distributing warning message - red eye virus in American Samoa and asked us to wash our hands and do not touch eyes. I have seen some people who have red eyes. The disease is just virus not bacteria. The pronunciation of Pago Pago is Pango Pango.

Pago Pago downtown has one McDonald with McCafe. There is one Island Ferry terminal, I asked one passenger who told me they are on the way to Apia and it will take one day. Can tuna fish industry used to be the major industry, Starkist and Chicken of The Sea; today only Starkist still produce can tuna.

A temporary market for cruise passengers

Princess excursion bus

Ferry to other islands

Local market

Taro and banana

Bread fruit

The tour bus is a very old fashion bus, wooden floor and ceiling, natural air-conditioning by sliding down glass windows. Narrow bench seat that can barely sit two normal person, if over size then only one person. Princess Excursion is using this kind bus. When we walked back to wharf, one guy was asking touring island 2.5 hours for $10. It is too cheap to skip it. We got the chance to see beach and flower pot island.