12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

About to go to sleep in my beach fale. Grass mats, a mosquito net, and grass drapes for privacy, with the beach and ocean just outside. What a perfect way to end a long day of travelling.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

A closer view of her costume. While stepping on another person, of course. Notice that her traditional tattoos are oiled to make them stand out more.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The important-lady during her dance, stepping on someone.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

This lady looks important. Maybe a high-ranking daughter of the high chief?

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

More fire dancing, of course!

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The high chief seems to rub soot from that what appears to be a burnt tree trunk on the faces of the performers before they go on.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

This dance was strangely captivating to watch, but I can't tell if I'm enjoying it or not. I tried to learn a few dance moves from the guy dancing in this video. I also like watching the interactions of the people in the background.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The women performing a dance.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Picture of the men dancing. I really enjoyed this fiafia, as I could tell that everyone was having fun, including the performers. The fiafia ended in a dance party for everyone, and the locals seem to get a kick out of making us dance and asking everyone for a date or information on their relationship status.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

A dance performed by the men. Once again, a lot of body-slapping.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

It seems that the whole family/village/tribe is here for the fiafia! The old man sitting on the left is the high chief of Manese, and the founder of the hotel/resort. The kid in front is performing a standard move here, lying down in front of a woman for her to step on.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

I timed it so that I got to attend another fiafia! This affair was much more casual, and was probably my most enjoyable evening in Samoa.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Made it to Manese and found that Tanu Beach did have a place for me to stay! Arrived just in time for dinner too! A private beach fale plus breakfast plus dinner (including a bit of beer) for something like 65 tala is a great deal!

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Arriving is Savai'i, one immediately notices a strange contrast. There are pretty much only villages on the island, and most are made up of some traditional wall-less fales, and other small structure, plus an oversized cathedral. Apparently villages here are liable to get into church-building competitions with each other.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Arriving in Salelologa. There are fleets of buses waiting. I was a bit late getting off the ferry, and nearly missed my bus in the confusion. I caught the bus going to Manese just as it was starting to pull away. I hope Tanu Beach has accommodation available for tonight!

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The island of Apolima, a ring of cliffs with an opening to a small beach cove with a harbour.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

I was lucky and caught the larger and more luxurious of the ships sailing the Apolima Strait - it even had air conditioning on a small crowded deck and a screen playing The Lion King movie on it! No matter which vessel takes you, a one way fare in 12 tala, about $5USD.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

After a taxi driver tried unsuccessfully to charge me double price, he agreed to drive me to the wharf in Mulifanua for 10 tala.I am getting tired of everyone trying to overcharge me here, Samoa really is like a more typical developing nation.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The landscape of Upolu. Very lush and filled with palm trees.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Just about to touch down back at Faleolo airport. The island just visible to the right is Manono, part of Aiga-i-le-Tai district.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

View of Savai'i during the descent. Savai'i, the wilder island of Samoa, is where I am headed to today, if everything works out.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

The weather during the return flight was dramatically different. This is a part of the ring of reefs surrounding the island of Upolu, home to the capital of Samoa.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html

12 June 2011 (-1 in time zone):

Leaving after my very short stay in American Samoa. The flight attendant still remembers me from the flight over, and we greeted each other warmly. I found it cool that I was weighed along with my bags for the flight!

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2011/06/2011-nz-to-sf-day-30.html