Jan, 27 - PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA

From the Serenity’s walking deck we watched our approach to port; a rain cloud reminding us that the island is indeed, a rainforest!

Our stateroom view from the bridge, however, promised sunshine.

The main employer here is Starkist Tuna. Hi, Charlie!

American Samoa has five volcanic islands, all located in the eastern part of the Samoan Archipelago. The steep mountains are spectacular in their tropical greenery. 90% of the land is covered in untouched rainforest.

We hired a taxi to take us high up and over the Mangaloa Ridge and into the American Samoa National Park and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.

A small village lies on the shores of Vatia Bay, on the other side of the mountain.

Familiar-looking school bus

Vatia’s Congregational church

The beautifully handcrafted interior – Samoans are very religious.

The Sunday service had already been going on for 1 ½ hours.

Back up over the mountain

“Tofa” – Goodbye from Pago Pago. Tonight we cross the International Date Line, so we will have no Monday!