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