A Driving Tour of the East Side ~ American Samoa

As it was Heather’s last day to visit, we went on a driving tour of the east side of the island. We went to the end of the road, and then back a bit and over a pass to another village ~ Masefau.

: Fautasi ~ Rowed by 49 guys!

: They have a big race on Flag Day (April 17, the day AS became a US territory in 1900)

: Shoreline

: Beach area

: The road follows the coast in most places, except where it is too steep!

: $2 Beach (which really costs $5 now)

: Looking to the east

: Wrecked ship on the reef

: Traditional fale or guest house. Zoom in to see the detail, many are very elaborately decorated.

: Island of Aunu’u off the shore

: Every village has at least one church, many have more.

: The beach at Alao, with Aunu’u in the distance.

: Looking east down the beach at Alao.

: NOAA science station at the top of a hill above the village of Tula. They collect air samples to compare polllution rates. The cleanest air in the world!

: Looking down into Tula.

: Bananas grow on plantations and in yards everywhere.

: The end of the road to the east, which really turns north to the last village.

: The last village is Onenoa.

: Onenoa’s church

: Village sign

: Village dog

: Who was not very socialized.

: Tsunami signs are all over the island. The last devastating tsunami was in 2009.

: Another lovely bay.

: These signs mark the meeting place for each village.

: A group of fales on the beach that can be rented.

: Storm clouds move in as we head back home.

: These empty rusted Oxygen tanks are used to call the village to church or for sa. Sa is a 10 minute time before sunset when you are to reflect or pray. No village activity is allowed during this time.

: A happy but skinny dog.

: The village of Masefau. It is on the northern side of the island, and entail a pass over the moutains to get to it.

: A typical bus stop. Aiga (pronounced I-inga) buses are owned privately and the village is displayed on the bus. There is no public transportation per se.