The Cutlers and Robins had planned a walk to town, about 3/4 mile and then maybe get a cab and go and see Robert Louis Stevenson's Estate.
We made it to town in fits and starts between showers and torrential downpours. We made a few stops, at the cathedral, some shops and the market. The sidewalks were crowded with people huddling under overhangs and awnings and the route was a minefield of puddles and ankle deep pools of water.
We soon realized that Samoa was a washout for us. We did spend some time in Aggie Grey's Hotel for a warming tea and coffee. Aggie Greys is a bit of a legend in Samoa, starting as a hamburger joint for American GI's during World War 2. lt has evolved into a top flight Hotel complex, almost a South Pacific "Raffles" Hotel, or the "Norfolk" in Nairobi. Uniformed door greeters and sofas in the lobby etc. The dining room looked fit for a Queen. Coffee and tea for four $8.00.
We found ourselves back on the ship for a change of clothes and a hot shower, before lunch. The local entertainment came on board for lunch, about 40 young Samoans and their chaperones. They toured the ship and then had lunch in the up top cafeteria. Unlimited cookies, ice cream and soft drinks, besides having a run at the sumptuous buffet. They were well behaved but could not believe the amount of food available to chose from. The two Samoans with Fellette were part of the musician aspect of the group.
This is the rainy season and it has rained for a week with yesterday the worst of all. Somehow it put a bit of a pall on our day. That pall was lifted however at 4 PM when the Christian Youth Group from a local church entertained us for an hour with a very soulful series of dances, chants and songs. One little five year old did a solo of ''Lord l Lift Your Name on High" to a very hushed group of ageing grandparents!
Samoa is very much a Christian Nation, more so than many island countries and most larger civilized nations. The people are a very handsome lot and extremely friendly, polite and gracious. We would get smiles and hellos from passer-by's, much more so than at home.
Tonight we have two hours of Sunday, then at 2 AM we move our clocks forward 24 hours to Monday!
We are now on what I say is "Australian Time" inasmuch as we are WEST of the dateline. We still have several time changes before Australia but you get the drift. My blog postings could appear at a different time unless Craig makes an adjustment to when he uploads it.
Pictures give you some idea of our day. That is Jim and the girls waiting across the street in the rain as I got some prints made in a local photo shop.
One day at sea and then the last stop before New Zealand, Tonga.
[The carved bowl is for practical purposes, Fellette says she can use a new salad bowl].
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