2nd day in A. Samoa, and arrival in Samoa

Pago Pago

The weather continued tropically nice, despite a rainy forecast.
We walked some 3 miles to Fagatele Bay, on the western side of the main island of Tutuila. This bay is part of a Marine Sanctuary, and a National Park. You pay a local youngster $10, to bypass a locked gate on his family's property. We didn't mind, as google tells us this is customary, and we can tell people can use a little extra. Presumably the village this family belongs to, decided to cooperate when the park was established.
Walked through 'jungle' the last bit, climbed down the steep embankment, and had the beach to ourselves! Not as many fish as in Hawaii per Craig. I tried snorkeling here, but am sad to admit I am leery of stronger waves pushing me into the coral, and the sharp rocks. I am used to feeling strong enough to do pretty much what I want, but have to accept my age, and old injuries.
I was impressed when Craig cleaned up trash, filled the bottle, and cleaned sand off his feet this way, rather than use what remained of our treated water. See picture.

Link to 2nd day in American Samoa

On the way to the beach, Craig counted 10 churches, and on the way home, we saw many people in their Sunday finest, attending them. Many wore all white, most were in flip flops, or similar sandals. All were friendly.

Monday morning Sept. 25 kind staff of our Airbnb hostess took us to the airport, and we spent some 35 min in the air, landing Tuesday morning Sept. 26 in Apia, the capital of Samoa, which is an independent nation.
The Pago Pago airport is a throwback to the time before we started traveling! They ask you to open your suitcase, casually looked around Craig's bike case; then said 'oh, same thing' when they opened mine. They have no X-ray machine at least for passengers and hand luggage. They kindly let Craig take a back pack onboard, despite the rules, which would have had us pay $5/kg, for this extra checked piece. I had called the airline, and the gentleman I spoke to clearly had notified the agents, as they checked our luggage first, and knew us by our first names - which also is all that was on the hand printed boarding passes. The plane's captain was friendly, greeting passengers as we boarded. They only fill 16/19 seats, to make room for luggage.
Like Mark O. commented: a nice juxtaposition of cultures all around.

In Apia we again encountered a kind Airbnb hostess, who let us leave the luggage in our apartment while it was being cleaned, and who has promised to store the bike cases when we tomorrow, Wednesday start biking towards the island of Savai'i. This is also part of Samoa.
We walked in to Apia, and looked around, and ate, until we could check in to our apartment.
The initial impression is that it is cleaner here; it looks more prosperous, and this is amazing considering what Craig read tonight: the per capita income in American Samoa is 2.5x what it is in Samoa. Craig wonders if the visible difference is a sad outcome of American influence.
Our hostess and her husband moved to Upolu, the main island of Samoa, so that their grandkids could attend elementary school here. The family lives on Savai'i, but each village school there might have only one qualified teacher, and the rest are volunteers.
To my nieces Melissa and Gabi: head to Samoa to teach for maybe a 10-week stretch! Am adding this after our very interesting stay on the island of Savai'i.