ISLAND LIFE: 4th of July Weekend

FRIDAY...

Because American Samoa is a U.S. Territory, we do celebrate the 4th of July here on the island. The day started off with the huge sale at Ace Hardware where everything you could fit in your bag was 20% off. It was a crazy big production with a raffle, door prizes, and a hot dog stand out front. It was actually the most patriotic display I saw all day. We were handed American flags when we entered the door and were able to pick out all sorts of free flag inspired give-aways when you left depending on how much you spent inside. I got 2 red, white & blue star necklaces, a red, white & blue scrunchie and a U.S.A. lavalere. Total crap, but it was free.

And like many other places back in the states, fireworks are illegal here. The difference is that even though it may be illegal to possess or light off fireworks say, in Denver, you can still go to the Rockies game, Fiddler's Green, 16th Street Mall, or any other number of places to see professional fireworks displays. Not so much here. I didn't see or hear about one single fireworks show anywhere on the island. And on the 4th I didn't hear even one Black Cat or Bottle Rocket being set off. It was pretty wierd actually. But the Ex-Pat group here decided to celebrate our nation's birthday nonetheless with your typical drinking-BBQ-pool-party. We all went out to Haz-Matt's house, who lives out by the cliffs on the ocean. His place is absolutely georgous. It's a giant 3 bedroom house with a huge yard, a pool and it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from the ocean. We went down to the cliffs and watched the crashing waves as our version of fireworks.

Here we are hanging out at the cliffs (Naomi & Emily, me & LTM)...

Back at the house, folks were hanging out in the pool, playing bocce ball, drinking fun drinks out of coconuts that Sam husked from one of Matt's trees, and enjoying some great food including hamburgers, steak, pork chops, fish kabobs, and a home made apple pie.

Here's Aaron making sure he's covered with sunscreen...

Apparently, when I went down to watch the waves crashing into the cliffs, Suka "fell" into the pool. I came back and found her soaking wet and shivering under a bench up against the house. Later I found out that she didn't actually "fall" unless you consider Doug picking her up, putting her in the water, and letting go, "falling." Not cool. The good news was that apparently, she did try to swim. The bad news is now she won't let me get her anywhere near water. Giving her a bath is like trying to catch a greased pig. Thanks Doug.

SATURDAY NIGHT...

The next night we had a lu'au party for Ayla, who was heading off to Japan for a Polynesian dancing job. The party was at Oscar's house (her dad) and it was the BEST party I've been to so far on the island. Everyone had such a good time.

Here's Ayla & Michael all decked out...