Day 17 - Pago Pago, American Samoa

We arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa about 7:25 AM. At that time it was 81°, humidity was 91% and there was a light rain. All the makings of a lovely day.

Once again we started with the regular breakfast of cold cereal in our cabin. I know, not very "cruise ship". About 9:00 we grabbed our miniature AAA travel umbrellas and headed ashore.

Since we didn't have an excursion today our plan was to just walk around town soaking in all the native culture. Before we got off the pier we were into the native stalls selling clothing and other island trinkets. By the time we got through that we were into a pretty good rain and were soaking up more than culture. Out came the umbrellas and we made a dash for the main street, only to find we had to run the gauntlet of guys trying to sell tours and cab drivers wanting to take us somewhere very scenic.

Once away from the dock we were off to what the map indicated was a shopping mall. We stopped by what was some sort of outdoor market and since it offered protection from the rain we stayed awhile. Pressing on we did not find a mall, but did happen upon a combination grocery and department store. Small but had everything from peanuts to clothing to small appliances. I was most interested in finding a Samoan Lava Lava, which is what most of the men wear. And I needed to resupply the coke and rum department. I have managed to slip some of the little tiny bottles of rum through security, but those are now history. They had the coke but no rum so we were off, thinking the grass is always greener.

Well, I can tell you the grass is definitely not greener. It's hot. It's raining. It's humid. Our little umbrellas aren't working out well. Not a good day at all, so we head back to the ship. We sit around for an hour or so and the rain seems to have stopped, so we decide to take another shot at Pago Pago. It was short lived. Had we walked just a little we could have had free WiFi at McDonald's.

Back on the ship we stopped by the Horizon Cafe for a little lunch and, more importantly, several glasses of water. Oh, and one Blue Moon.

Couple of showers later and an hour and a half nap and all is right with the world. It's now 4:55 and we should be leaving for Bora Bora in about 30 minutes. Next two days will be at sea as we head for three stops in French Polynesia.

Before leaving I should mention Pago Pago is Charlie Tuna land. Harbor is full of tuna boats, which have to travel a thousand miles to find fish.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

014° 16' South
170° 42' West

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