American Samoa, USA

When going on an excursion in any of the Pacific Ocean islands it is always a surprise to see what kind of transport they use. This here is a typical tour bus used on American Samoa. Not all too comfortable but it got the job done.

On our excursion on American Samoa we got quite a bit of time to enjoy Fatu Rock. Fatu Rock is a natural landmark and offshore islet of American Samoa. It is located near the entrance of Pago Pago Harbor, close to the village of Fatumafuti. Fatu and nearby Futi are also known as Flowerpot Rock.

The smaller sister islet of Futi Rock lies next to the bigger Fatu Rock on American Samoa. This is a close-up of Futi Rock.

The two famous islets Fatu Rock and Futi Rock next to each other on American Samoa. Legend has it that a couple, who was named Fatu and Futi, had sailed from Savai'i looking for Tutuila Island. When their canoe sank, the couple were transformed into these tree-topped islets.

While wandering around in the local village on American Samoa we stumbled upon this old bus. Clearly no longer in use we suspected it once was a tour bus. The vegetation is slowly taking over.

The villagers we visited on American Samoa gave us an excellent demonstration of their cooking customs. This is the traditional fire used for cooking and it is the men who are in charge of the cooking.

In the local village on American Samoa we got a great demonstration about the processing of cocoa beans and making a local chocolate drink. This here is the cocoa fruit holding the beans.

Another awesome sunset on the Pacific Ocean after we had left American Samoa on the cruise ship Norwegian Jewel. We loved the yellow and orange beams of light under these dark clouds.