Recently returned from Pago Pago, American Samoa. Broke the journey up with 3 days in Honolulu, HI. Flights from Tampa, FL to ATL didn't look to good so we decided to go out of Sarasota. No problem, however the flight was around 6 am. Left the house about 3:30 am. Long day comin'. Left ATL around 11:00 am and got into HNL about 2:00 pm. Very close to getting business but ended up in coach. Not needing to sleep (Like an overnight flight to Europe) and in the middle of the day it wasn't too bad. Being a domestic flight there was no food except what was offered for sale. We knew we'd probably ride coach so we packed a lunch. Very good idea.
Arrived in HNL and made our way to our hotel, a Sheraton on Waikiki beach. I've been to Hawai'i several times but never stayed in Honolulu. Probably never will again. Waikiki is relatively narrow, very crowded and backed by high-rise hotels and condos as far as the eye can see. The street running along the beach seems to have more screaming fire engines and ambulances than cars. Not at all a horrible experience, but three days is more than enough. Great Japanese food though !!
Day 4, Off to Pago Pago.
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| Sadie Thompson's Inn |
Hawaiian Airlines, 5 hour 4 minute flight.
Arrived around 9:00pm. After long line through Immigration and customs, we were met by Grace and guided to a van and shuttled off to our hotel, Sadie Thompson Inn. Grace and her husband Jerry befriended Joni's brother Jim. Grace took care of Jim during his final days. Exhausted, we all hit the sack. Samoan adventure will start tomorrow.
Samoa is a beautiful place. Lush tropical foliage everywhere you look. The people are unbelievable friendly. Grace showed us around. We ate at several Asian restaurants. All very good. The hotel was clean and comfortable. There was no hot water...YOW! We often felt that we were not only in a different place, but a different time as well. We toured the National Park and ended up on the other side of the island on a beautiful beach. One day we packed ourselves into Jerry's pick-up and headed to Tisa's Barefoot Bar for the annual Tattoo Festival. Tisa's bar is on a beach on a lagoon. There were traditional tattoo artists and a contest for the best tattoo. Traditional tattooing is done with a shark's tooth. Tisa's bar is the most incredible beach bar I have ever been to. It defies description....one must experience it.
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| Tisa's Barefoot Bar |
Samoa is full of dogs. Mostly scroungy mutts. there are packs of them all over. Upon arrival one of the first things Grace did was gave us dog repellent and some tips on how to keep them at bay. My sister in law, Mary and Marge were surrounded by a pack. They were carrying sticks. Several people stopped their cars to help chase them off. Very strange.
We were introduced to some of Grace and Jerry's boater friends. They were very nice people and they also knew Jim. Marge went deep sea fishing with Jerry and friends and they caught some very large fish. That night we had dinner at Gracie and Jerry's. Fresh fish, shrimp and sushi made from Marge's catch. What an experience. Grace set up a boat and we went into the Pago Pago harbor to spread Jimmy's ashes. Tom, the owner of Sadie Thompson's Inn and the Harbor Master came with. The Harbor Master presided over the "ceremony" and had some very nice and comforting words. He presented Joni and Mary with a flag from Jim's boat, properly folded. A very touching moment. This was the closure that was needed by all who knew Jim.
Samoa is a very beautiful island and the experience was priceless, however, I will most likely never go there again. Our mission is complete.
One week after arrival we departed Pago Pago and flew to Honolulu. Joni and I ran for our flight to LAX. Got business class. Halalulla!! In LAX we went to a Delta Sky Club. Got a shower, food and free beer and wine. Had to fly coach to Tampa. Very happy to be home. Next adventure - Nuremberg Germany in December for the Christmas Markets.
