In 1976 I was in the U.S. Army 84th Engineers from Schofield Barracks Hawaii - our platoon Earthmoving platoon went to American Samoa to build a road to the top of Mt. Alava - the time I spent there was so rewarding and what beauty the island was to me being a 19 yr. old from JERSEY - THE PEOPLE OF SAMOA were so nice to us - at times I felt I was in a dream - so many times the Chiefs would invite the platoon to gatherings - the people treated us like we were royalty - we were a bunch of young G.I.'s serving our country - I will never forget the Samoan people - there kindness was true - Thank You for a wonderful experience .
Aloha from Kona, Hawaii - I saw your video on Mt.Alava - I was surprised how over-grown the road was - when we left there the road was clear and opened and we could not see any villages or housing below - how time fly's and things change - I remember the panoramic view of the ocean from the road - it was so beautiful and blue. Aloha to my friends in Samoa and to my buddies from Bravo company 84th Engineers earthmoving platoon - Long ago and far away - it was truly a wonderful experience. Aloha From Frank.
@@franknemeth7430 aloha from Hilo! I’m here for 4 months with a travel nurse. We are headed to Kona this week! We have been a few times in the last month but always looking for new places to check out! There seems to be lots of tourists in Kona and we have had a hard time getting “away”. With valentines coming up, during this time, I’d love to take her to see an unforgettable sunset or something. Any recommendations? Thank you for your service, sir! Mahalo
I was a Palangi 15 year old in Samoana High school at that same time, I lived there for 2 years. 90 % of the people treated me for what I was, a high school kid. 5-10% hated me for my the color of my skin, Wasn't always as pretty as you describe.
Graves are in the Yard because Aiga is everything. So when someone passes away, we still want the person close so we can care for the grave (that person) through the generations. Hence family members are buried on your property which is rarely sold, if ever plus land is precious in Samoa and only a Samoan can buy land. It is also a form of Love and Respect.
You guys are good embassadors for American Samoa and I’d hangout with you guys if I lived there. Are you guys Island hopping or do you live in American Samoa?
You guys are cool in finding your way around...and when i first watch this video, i swear i knew exactly where you're at! I couldn't help thinking of the many times I'd go up to that spot of hilltop & just enjoyed the view... I enjoyed watching your videos.
Elisapeta NI Sunia thank you. I love that you recognized the spot. Many people haven’t been up there, which is a shame because it’s so easy to get to and the views are great! Thanks for watching.
One of the things I really miss about Am Samoa that some people take for granted is the Stars. I remember growing up in Am Samoa there were always alot of stars in the night sky and I never gave it much thought but now that I been living in the US I really miss it. I'm a stargazer lover but where I live in the US it's hard to see stars because of the light pollution.
The stars await..drive out if town , drive to a national park , or empty farm land , no jobs no money no people , no lights to guide people...30-50 miles out,,,into the sticks...and walk away 1000 feet from the last light bulb..then down in a gully or stream bed , this blocks out stray light , get red flash lights , or sit in the dark for 15-20 mins. No lights in your eyeballs - the muscle has to relax to open - flash and it cringes..20 mins getting adjusted ,have some tea..or hot cocoa..avoid clouds! Deserts have good veiwing , no water vapors ,
My wife is from Colombia, and she says the same thing. When she first moved to the the New York area, she couldn’t believe how half the stars seemed to disappear.
In 1992, I was hired by a municipal bond company in Houston to go to American Samoa and build a competitive financing structure to the Hawaii based existing structure. I stayed about a month. The most hospitable experience imaginable!
Thank you for embracing our culture like you have. I love all your family adventures and I look forward to seeing more from you all! Tofā Soifua. Also, props on the pronunciation!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am a born and raised Samoan in America 🇺🇸. You explained the traditions and culture so eloquently and respectfully. And all the folks that commented have also added to the things we wish we would have known. Loved it! I am a Subscriber now. Keep us informed 👍 thanks again!🏝❤🙏
I love you guys. My husband is from Texas and it's great to show him a non-Samoan point-of-view. Thank you. You guys are awesome. Manuia le vaiaso. Soifua.
You marry a palagi (or perhaps a "brother"), but pretend to be "close" to your Samoan culture? SMH. You're about as "traditionally Samoan" as Juju Smith Schester's mother
Thank you for embracing all that our small island home has to offer. I can see how you have assimilated well and you do not judge with your observations. In all, thank you for your appreciation and sharing the love that we all have for American Samoa, a very unique Paradise in the middle of nowhere. God bless and keep up the great vlogs.
Sole! I lived for a very long time in Am. Samoa and you guys have been to more beaches then I ever knew about. Maybe I was to busy doing fe'aus 😂 but thank you for the awesome videos. I can share this with my kids. One day they can also visit my village but for now they can watch from your videos 😂. Thank you
A bit of history on Polynesians. Our woman ancestors did not need bikini because they walked around not covering their breast and there was no shame because that was our culture. When the missionaries arrived, that all changed as the islanders were taught to cover up. Also, we do not bury our loved ones solely for the land. First there is no community cemetery and we bury our loved ones on our land to be near us. If I could have buried my parents on my property that I supposedly own (paid of my mortgage already) then I would have done so but it is against the law here in the USA). I do commend you both for all that you share and thank you for the respect and embrace you give to the Samoan culture. Blessings to your Aiga!
I didn’t realize that was against the law in the US, but I never considered before moving here either. And yeah, I think it’s beautiful that yours was a culture where the human form wasn’t a shameful thing to be hidden ❤️ It is what it is today, but there’s a beauty and freedom in the way it used to be.
I live in Tennessee, and I don't understand why folks say this. I did, however, live in Colorado for a bit, and one day I was wearing shorts at 9am cause it was pretty hot. By that afternoon the wind picked up a little, so I put on a light jacket. By the time my friend and I walked out of the movie theater that evening (9pm) there was already half an inch of snow on the ground. So, in twelve hours it went from hot and dry to cold and snowy, and we weren't even in the mountains. We were along the front range.
You’re translation of what Am Sam means to you both is everything! I don’t know you guys, but I’m so happy that you both are so immersed in the culture and heritage of Samoa! Thank you! Your take on what Aiga means.... spot on! Good for you two for taking part! They will definitely be there for you as well! So happy I found your channel! Malo lava le tausi aiga!
#8 really resonates with me. I live in Los Angeles where the beaches are littered with people doing everything to make the beach feel like their living rooms. Last week, I saw a family reunion in Malibu and they brought what must have been a 20x20x20x20 Persian style rug, 4 huge canopy tents BBQs. They were all super sweet, but WOW! Tell me more about the empty beaches
Ive only been to the motherland once while i was younger and i just watch this to gain more knowledge on what ive been missing.. you guys are beautiful in my eyes for loving our little island thank you guys for these vlogs and for keeping respect in our culture and tradition🙏
thank you for a lovely description of American Samoa. I live in Washington, State. I probably won't go to A. Somoa., I lived in Hawaii and worked at Farrell's International Market. I wore many hat's when I worked at this diner, ice cream parlor. I often worked in the kitchen with Samoan's. They teased me a lot, I have many good memories of fry cooking in the kitchen, with my Samoan family. I wish you and your family much happiness. truly
I feel your pain, I just visited Am.Samoa 4 months ago, from CYPRESS.TX to Hawaii, Am.Samoa, Trying to get in a like like bus, or leke leke bus with big fats SAMOANS, we'll I could use some butter. Peace and love every day from CYPRESS.TX.
Talofa! I traveled from Chicago to work for ASG in 1984 on a 2 year contract. Lived on Lua street in Tafuna. As far as shortages go, there was a store whose motto w as “If we don’t have it you don’t need it.” I still laugh when I think of that. Memories I still treasure: Warmth of Samoan people Diving & snorkeling and seeing all the fish. Amount of stars in the night sky How quickly friends are made FRESH seafood Sunsets & Sunrises My first daughter being born at LBJ The full price for that - $2 (for the birth certificate) Tofa
It’s funny how most of this still seems pretty similar. The thing is, that store’s slogan is true. The items that we may want, but can’t find on-island, are not that difficult to live without. It’s actually kinda nice to live without all of the creature comforts of the states. It’s a good reminder that we can live with less than we may think and still find a great deal of happiness.
"Lua street"? Do the streets have names? I got an impression that American Samoa, like the majority of Japan, and Kahnawake (reservation near Montreal, in Canada) does things the Fa'a U2....as in "Where the Streets Have No Name"
Great video guys....just one complaint....if you would've rolled the camera at the 11:26 mark...you would've filmed my GGM's grave on the other side of the LMS church. That's our place. LoL. Also....your sei went on the wrong ear. Unless thats the side you wear your wedding band. Other than that...great cut. Stay safe out there. Faafetai lava.
I always look forward to your vlogs. I’m impressed with your love of American Samoa. I agree with your perspective of living life in a “living culture. They say that “when tradition gathers enough strength to go on for centuries, you don’t just turn it off one day.” This episode is very informative. Tourism office could use it for visitors..... thanks for sharing!
In 2015 I spent 100 days in Am Sam. The people are wonderful, respect them and their culture and they respect you. I will be returning soon to bring alternative energy solutions, along with lower KW costs! I will also fix the many issues that Starkist have which in turn will help the hard working folks there. I will look you guys up when I get back, we'll have a couple of Vailimas at Tisa's barefoot by the Sea. Manuia
@@rascosiatunuu4351 We can certainly talk about it. At this time I've working with Reupena Tagaloa for 5 years now. My email address is ajrusch@yahoo.com Send me an email and we can exchange phone numbers. Manuia - Arnold
Yeah it rains just like Florida, off and on and normally rains early afternoon timeframe. It is called the tropics. If you live in Florida, you are used to it already. 😁
Florida is not in the tropics. Its humid subtropical. Florida actually gets cooler than than 60F in winter. Florida has no tropical rainforest. They may have swamps and tropical plants and palm trees but not like in Colombia for instance.
Well I'm in south Florida and in the summer we do get blasted by the storms cooked up over the Everglades. Samoa my be a nice place to visit for a week but no way and i moving away from our grocery store, Publix
42 years ago when I first got married there was three Samoans that visited a neighbor by me and they would stay some while in town on tour, two of the guys were professional wrestlers, they were the biggest island people I have ever seen, gigantic and stronger than all get out. They were so big they had to ride in a van, they could not get into a car. I used to see them wrestle on television.
I came to your most popular video hoping maybe you'd see this and let us all know why we haven't seen you in a couple years? Ultimately I know it's really none of our business...but just maybe a bread crumb of what's going on? Thanks for the great videos!
I remember the saying: "There are two seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, it rains every day; the wet season, it rains all day."
Great video, family!!! I agree on all ten, but the sour cream comment is soooooo true. We can't find Diet Coke right now. One thing I've noticed- all the dogs/ lack of vet/ pets aren't spayed and neutered regularly. And everything, I mean everything, is closed on Sundays.
lol..........your right......" a Living Culture" ____Respect of their Elder's and LOVE in a genuine way!.."family".....those are "rare" nowadays!........keep on keeping on!......awesome beach view!
You can remove Mt Rainmaker it may help you guys with the rain (Samoan jokes) Thanks for the reminders help us prepare for that rain when visiting Am Samoa. Wish we knew too some things before moving to the US, Just enjoy your time in Am Samoa
My family has land in aloau I'm saving up now to go down and see it this covid threw a big wrench in that plan but I'll be down there blessings to you and your family
Talofa lava guys! I love the content of this video! You are the man Nate!! I true followers of your channel and by fat this one is my personal favorite, because you guys are so passionate about my beautiful culture.. thank you for sharing your beautiful Journey. Keep it coming please.. Tofa.
Regarding hospital, I just wanted to say if you're not Resident status then you can get charged an arm and a leg. You get resident status when you've been here 2 years. So, SAVE your flight ticket from the day you arrived. This happened to me and I was clueless where to find my flight ticket.
I grew up in Samoa. Lived in the village of Leone, attended Leone High School and left to start my life after graduation. I had the best childhood. Samoa is paradise. As a child, discipline is enforced, responsibility is taught early and traditions are upheld. Your "Palagi attempt" for the umu cracked me up. You guys are doing fine. Still love this place.
Haha I graduated from Leone high in 1982, was there for Sophomore and Junior as well. Freshman year was at Samoana. We lived a short walk from the school, too.
My mom and dad are buried in front of our home because we want our loved ones close by. It's also believed that when our loves are called home to heaven, being buried on family land, they are still around protecting our families that are still alive and protecting our home as well. I never heard of graves being used as landmarks for peoples land before. I heard some stories that graves were dug up to be relocated due to family disagreements or family getting kicked off of communal land so all their family that were buried there would have to relocate too. I'm from Nuuuli so I recognized all those gravesites you had on your video and it makes me miss my village even more. I grew up there and I really noticed a huge difference in the village, what a change. The last time I was there was in 2004 for my Mom's funeral. Our home goes more towards the back by the lagoon. We swam more towards Coconut point, less long sea cucumbers. Growing up swimming there the kids use to tell me they were poisonous, lol, and alot of other stories that when I think of them now, I laugh and share them all the time with my kids and grandkids. My husband who worked for Marine Wildlife and use to collect tropical fish, was a diver and later changed career to law enforcement as a police officer. He passed away in February this year. My husband and I never ever regretted raising our kids in Samoa first before moving to the mainland. I came across one of your videos right after my husband passed. I love your videos very much and know my husband would have loved them as well, especially with your diving adventures because of my husband's love for the ocean and his diving experiences he never shared with me because he knew it would freak me out. Keep up the good work. Love the all the pictures. Thank you so very much. I now live in Lakewood Washington and I wish my husband and daughter were buried in front of my house. Wishful thinking I guess.
From the headline of your video, I thought you were going to spill some negative comments about the island....but I am very happy that I gave it view and that you did a wonderful job describing your feelings in a very positive way! I live in Samoa (formally Western Samoa) and I visit often to Am. Samoa and have some really great friends there....,yes, it's a very, very special place.....I am once again happy to see your video...take care, God bless and enjoy the Pacific! Tupa'i Bruno
Oi sole! The man, the legend Bruno is commenting on your videos. Growing up in Samoa and Am Samoa, it was always a treat to have the circus in town! Thanks for all the memories, Bruno! I see you have opened an amusement park in Upolu. Next time I’m back home, I’m coming to see you!
#3, Is just natural with all islander's!!(Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Tokelau) etc... Looking right, left, as far ur eyes can see, is all a family connection!! Taking care of one another is every where & never ending!! GB
Very informative! Your willingness to experience and learn about the Samoan culture is very positive. My hubby and I enjoy watching your videos together. It’s so exciting to see familiar landmarks, especially from our beautiful village of Nu’uuli❤️
Awesome video guys. Originally from NZ I spent the better part of my teens to my mid 20s in American Samoa with my 2 younger brothers. So many memories and good times.We all live in Australia now but PPG 96799 will always be home away from home. 🇦🇸🇦🇸 Hopefully after Covid we make a trip back to visit again.
Your family is way too cute!! Love the videos!! I miss my home so much. We moved to the States in 1996. You guys pass alot of the old stomping grounds in your videos. For me it's a nice trip down memory lane! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! God bless!
Love it how easy it is to understand u guys. I’m practicing English and watching random videos and run it yours here on UA-cam. Easy to understand and also very fun video.
I'm looking forward to moving there and calling it my home. From Colorado, the cost of living is going up, Knowing is mostly christian friendly to close the deal, I really can't wait.
the sour cream mention cracked me up because we experience it alot as we try to have tacos, burritos night at least once a week so we try & buy in bulk...was curious as to what you meant by "things you wish you knew before moving here" did you mean it as regrets not knowing after the fact or more so as things you weren't prepared for? love this new video...here's something that could be for a list of things that's also good about American Samoa...no homeless people on the streets..saw alot of it in Hawaii & San Francisco.. thanks!
We definitely meant that it would have been nice to be prepared for these things. Like the rain... it seemed like it didn’t stop raining for weeks after we arrived on-island. That combined with the heat and culture shock, left me wishing I’d been more prepared. That being said, we’ve never regretted our move here. Even on hard days, we’ve never looked back. Which is why we’re still here 😄 And yes, I was surprised by the lack of homeless. When I learned that’s because people just take care of each other and don’t abandon them, I felt a love for the Samoan people and culture for this true evidence of love and humanity ❤️
@@AmSamFam the last time I was home there were only like 3 or 4 homeless people on the island. Everyone knew their names because of that fact. But they weren't really "homeless"💁, " homeless"💁, they had families they go home to every once in a while, also all of them had some type of mental issue. Vao, Veka, and Pe'a were the well knowns ones, idk if the homeless numbers went up or down.
@@zeedstun9090 don't see anymore around, the few you mentioned had families they went home to if they weren't wandering the streets, some were taken in by Hope House to live out their final days in a loving home care enviroment & sadly some have passed on..there was 1 palagi man, but I haven't seen him around in years, probably taken in by a local family..now just see a local guy & the palagi guy who walk the streets regularly during the day but must have a place to go home to at night.
@@markfoster2624 Oh wow, it's been a long time and I just now remember a Palagi guy always walking around the island with I think it was a SpongeBob Backpack??? I think there were rumors about him being a spy or something 😂
Hey guys thanks for ur good choice we the island people we appreciate ur n welcome tell u this Samoa is a island of Paradise live free at the weather easy life especially virus free thanks very much
So fun to see your footage and hear your experience. I lived in Tafuna from 1965-67 as a young girl. It was quite different then. This experience has continued to shape and inform my life. So many beautiful and amazing memories. Thank you for this video.
Growing up in Samoa I strongly believe everything said in this video is true .Sad as it is, our people do not mind trash . For this reason we don’t know how we are hurting our environment. Love this channel so much !
I've found that your remarks on culture apply everywhere I've been - if you embrace the local culture instead of expecting it to adapt to your American (or other) expectations, you can be very happy wherever you go. Glad to see how peaceful and happy y'all look!
Thank you! And yes, you’re totally right. No matter where you go, I think people just appreciate when outsiders come to appreciate their home, rather than fight against it.
Your videos are making me to want to come back and visit! My family is from the village of Vatia and I was so happy to see one of your vlogs where you and the kids went there..thank you for sharing! God bless and be safe! Alofa atu🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for sharing your adventure! We moved from the mainland to Oahu two years ago and we have been learning alot about the culture and we still are learning things we wish we would have known before moving
There’s only so much you can learn from afar. It’s the things that you learn while actually living in a culture that tend to be the most surprising, right?
i was born n raised in hawai'i to a samoan mother and a palagi dad, lived on and off in hawai'i and western samoa (dual citizenship) for the first 9 years of my life. i've always been interested in living in american samoa because i never really felt "in place" in the mainland (left hawai'i and samoa for good summer of 2011), but a lot of my family that i have left from western samoa have moved to either NZ, aus, or american samoa. i became accustomed to life in western samoa, but american samoa is heavily different. looks like i'm going to have to binge your guys' videos for the next few weeks (or months). fa'afetai kele lava.
good video.. so many memories of my time there about 30 years before you arrived. Used to fish by the lites of the tuna boats in the harbor from 2 -7am ( until sum came up over Rainmaker mountain). Made my share of umu ovens. Lived in Utulei. i don't know if true but heard they used to swim across the harbor ( before the tuna factories arrived) with their schoolbooks in one arm above the water to get to school...how cool is that!
I’m not saying it’s not true, but it sounds an awful lot like the stories made dad used to tell about walking to school in 10 feet of snow, uphill both ways 😉 Either way, I’d like to think they did. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Thanks for sharing! Love how you guys are experiencing the culture by living there and it's so awesome that you've been there for 3 years already! Living on an island definitely opens your eyes to the things you'd take for granted overseas! Hope you guys are enjoying your time there! Much love x
Sometimes we can’t believe it’s been three years already either. Life on the island is certainly different, but we wouldn’t go back and change our decision for anything.
I use to fly the MD-11 jumbo jets in the cargo configuration and we would deliver American mail to American Somoa from Hawaii. Then we would continue on to Australia....good memories.
Our ancestors are always with us!!! We believe they enforce the faa-Samoa in our daily lives! So, we the living are always aware that whatever we do, say or anything, our ancestors are watching us n guiding us to do right !!! That’s why most of the graves are next to our homes!!
I was born and raised in Coconut Point, Nu’uuli. My house is at the end of the road, the green and white. It would be really great and amazing if you guys did a whole tour of our neighborhood walking towards the back. It’s beautiful back there!! Stay safe❤️❤️
Congratulations on a lifestyle change. It will be different but it sounds like you both have adjusted quite well. Learning the language, culture and traditions and living in a lifestyle that many would envy. Granted there are things that you will miss but after not having freezing snow and tons of extra clothing that you never wear, you won't miss it. The weather, well, sounds like you've never been in Orlando, where it was like Hilo, Hawaii, on the dot, heavy rain daily about the same time of day for a few minutes and then sunny skies like the clouds were never there. Then its humid city and you feel like you had a shower with your clothes on. Tsunami's, Hurricanes are dangerous but snowed in, tornados, searing droughts, sinkholes, forest fires, springtime flooding are not problems that will be much concern. Enjoy Samoa. I think you forgot to mention that Mormons have a strong base there, so it might explain some conservative feelings, but they are a gracious and friendly people. Enjoy your time there as its a experiences your kids will appreciate when they are grown up.
I have only come across your channel today and have watched a few videos, I’m very intrigued, you’re both great talkers and I enjoy watching! I just subscribed!
I just found your channel and I can say it is very refreshing! I`ve always been in love with south pacific cultures and finding a channel like yours it is just a must for subscribing! Thank you for sharing! sending my love all the way from Manchester - UK.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences on American Samoa. This is a new interest for me and your video has ignited my new fascination in this most lovely Island and culture. Again, thank you so much.
So happy that you’ve found our videos helpful. There was very little information available when we were looking to move here back in 2017. It’s the main reason we started this channel. We’re glad to help fill that gap. Let us know if there’s anything else that you’d like to know!
Thank you for appreciating our culture and taking an interest. I don't want to bore you with my "2 cents" adding on to the many unsolicited "coins" lol. You guys are practically considered aiga at this point. Say hi if we ever cross paths. Soifua ma ia manuia!
Toga soifua, I really enjoyed the video! Years ago I used to date a Hawaiian girl who was fluent in her language. I learned so much about her culture. Now the native Hawaiians are a minority in their own islands and their culture is struggling to survive among hoards of tourists. I’m glad to see the Samoans doing such a good job of keeping their culture alive and vibrant. By the way, it looks like you’ve gotten a nice Polynesian tattoo!
Talofa! this is a really helpful list -- i always wanted to visit American Samoa, and some day hope to fulfill that. Good for everyone to be respectful of the culture when they visit, and when I eventually do :-)
You really don’t see a lot of people at the beaches in Amsamoa swimming like out here in the mainland. The people love to go fishing n look for crabs, clamming and other things you can do. I remembered back in 1974 there used to be a lot of people swimming at utulei beach but on a Sunday after church and after toanai. Like I mention before the ocean or beaches in my generation time our ocean was never polluted with all these trashed as they are now adays. I was shocked when I came 2010 and we went to the beach in tafuna by the lion park. Lion park didn’t exist those days but it wasn’t trashy as it is now. In that area alone I had my very first encountered with a shark, for real and very very real. I was maybe 12 or 13 at the time, my brother inlaw took me to go hunting for fish. He had a 22 like a riffle and he would shoot at the fish and made me go in the ocean and get it. Oh, I hated it wen he made go get those fishes in the ocean, he would always takes me with him. That particular day he told me to go get the dead fish, and I did with feared of a shark might come and eat me. While I was looking for the fish, he said to me not to move there is a shark coming my way. I was scared, afraid and panic than I heard a shot. Yes, he shot that shark and thank God it wasn’t one of them big big shark, but it was long. It wasn’t a fully grown shark but it was a shark. I drag it home on foot with a strings of fishes on my neck. My generation I had a hard tough life, I never forget it. I’m 62 yrs old now. I thank God for his love and patience upon my life. I grew up in Nuuuli is my homeland and villiage both my and my dad. Thank you for sharing your video with me and many others I see their comments. ❤️😍❤️ your family
I passed through American Samoa airport in 1980. I grabbed my camera, left the plane and was unable to see through the viewfinder. the camera had condensed up completely. The terminal had rectangular wall holes, but no windows. Similarly the bus with awnings but no windows. Sooooo humid. Even at just that it was an education. You know, low just before landing we passed over some trees which seemed to have a lot of basic shacks scattered through it. Many people joined us onwards to Honalulu. It was a Continental DC10
Can you give us some detail, maybe make a video about the VA healthcare and medical care in general in Samoa? I lived on a Saipan everything you mention I lived through it.
I wish i would’ve brought a big supply of OFF spray and Benadryl cream for all the mosquitoes 🦟 that attack u out there. But great video, so much info for first time visitors. (Samoans and non Samoans) 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #aigafirst
Well presented well done guys I'm a western samoa. We are all one AIGA BUT NOW living in Australia. I wish their medical facilities and doctors are perfect. It would be my preferred retire in Samoa. Thanks guys Malo lava
I like American Samoa but Upolu is the real treat. It’s more of a foreign adventure in Upolu especially in Savii......Just be careful that you don’t get caught in the back villages at night cause the busses stop running at 5pm. But if you do, every villages has at least two pastors and they’ll always take you in for the night. I know I was stranded in Lotofaga and I ended up staying with a LMS Paster and his family for two weeks. I loved it.
Matthew Atuatasi we’re planning a trip to Savaii as soon as the travel restrictions are lifted. How cool that you ended up staying with the pastor’s family for two weeks! I’ll bet you have some really amazing stories from that trip.
I love that you loved my village of Ofu, Manu'a! That beach you were on (pictured on your T-shirt 😉), is actually on my family's land. Glad you had a great time. I'll be moving back home soon.
I'm jealous of you two, in the best of ways. I've dreamed of possibly living in Samoa since I was a teen in 2003, when I was attending Job Corps in Utah and had nothing but Tongan & Samoan roommates telling me that the girls there would love me 😄. I'm older now, I'm single but the girls aren't as important to me as being somewhere that makes my complete soul happy and at ease. At this moment I'm unemployed but have a decent amount of money saved from working in the oil fields here in Northern Colorado and I feel an urgency to make a move to where I think I'll be happy, but idk exactly how to make it happen. I think I'm more scared of simply being alone in a new place. I'll be sending you good vibes familiá🤙🏻
We get it. That can be very intimidating. We moved here without actually knowing a soul and, to be honest, it’s been hard at times but more often, it’s been the best move of our lives. It sounds like right now might be perfect timing… If you’re really interested, you should take a look at the American Samoa government website, to start looking for a job that could bring you here. Best of luck!!
I love your videos, but you forgot to mention my beach. You can wear anything you want at Alega Beach because it's private. Also one of the few beaches that you can swim on Sunday. I'm the one who made it so😉. Totally get that your giving the norm, but don't forget the exceptions to rule. My grandfather Fa'amuli got tired of me wanting to swim on Sunday, and, everyone else getting in trouble for following me into the water on Sunday. 😂🤣😂🌺💯😉. So he took away the swimming on Sunday Taboo.
Malo le Soifua, Love the videos, appreciate your respect for the culture, also you guys are more Samoan than some of us now...😆 🤣 😂 ..much alofas and blessings to you guys and the kids. Faafetai tele lava, Soifua🤙 from Hawaii
How are the schools? Our family lived on Oahu for 5 years and the biggest drawback was how lacking public education was compared to mainland schools. It’s pretty wild to pay 3k a month rent, live in areas of million dollar homes yet somehow the schools suck.
In 1976 I was in the U.S. Army 84th Engineers from Schofield Barracks Hawaii - our platoon Earthmoving platoon went to American Samoa to build a road to the top of Mt. Alava - the time I spent there was so rewarding and what beauty the island was to me being a 19 yr. old from JERSEY - THE PEOPLE OF SAMOA were so nice to us - at times I felt I was in a dream - so many times the Chiefs would invite the platoon to gatherings - the people treated us like we were royalty - we were a bunch of young G.I.'s serving our country - I will never forget the Samoan people - there kindness was true - Thank You for a wonderful experience .
Awesome! Have you seen our video about hiking to Mt. Alava? It should look familiar. We hike on the road that you helped to build.
Aloha from Kona, Hawaii - I saw your video on Mt.Alava - I was surprised how over-grown the road was - when we left there the road was clear and opened and we could not see any villages or housing below - how time fly's and things change - I remember the panoramic view of the ocean from the road - it was so beautiful and blue. Aloha to my friends in Samoa and to my buddies from Bravo company 84th Engineers earthmoving platoon - Long ago and far away - it was truly a wonderful experience. Aloha From Frank.
nice memory.
@@franknemeth7430 aloha from Hilo! I’m here for 4 months with a travel nurse. We are headed to Kona this week! We have been a few times in the last month but always looking for new places to check out! There seems to be lots of tourists in Kona and we have had a hard time getting “away”. With valentines coming up, during this time, I’d love to take her to see an unforgettable sunset or something. Any recommendations? Thank you for your service, sir! Mahalo
I was a Palangi 15 year old in Samoana High school at that same time, I lived there for 2 years. 90 % of the people treated me for what I was, a high school kid. 5-10% hated me for my the color of my skin, Wasn't always as pretty as you describe.
Graves are in the Yard because Aiga is everything. So when someone passes away, we still want the person close so we can care for the grave (that person) through the generations. Hence family members are buried on your property which is rarely sold, if ever plus land is precious in Samoa and only a Samoan can buy land. It is also a form of Love and Respect.
What a great way to explain it. Thanks for that!
You guys are good embassadors for American Samoa and I’d hangout with you guys if I lived there. Are you guys Island hopping or do you live in American Samoa?
You guys are cool in finding your way around...and when i first watch this video, i swear i knew exactly where you're at! I couldn't help thinking of the many times I'd go up to that spot of hilltop & just enjoyed the view...
I enjoyed watching your videos.
Matthew Atuatasi thank you. We’ve been living here for over three years now, but definitely doing some island hopping from this home base 😊
Elisapeta NI Sunia thank you. I love that you recognized the spot. Many people haven’t been up there, which is a shame because it’s so easy to get to and the views are great! Thanks for watching.
One of the things I really miss about Am Samoa that some people take for granted is the Stars. I remember growing up in Am Samoa there were always alot of stars in the night sky and I never gave it much thought but now that I been living in the US I really miss it. I'm a stargazer lover but where I live in the US it's hard to see stars because of the light pollution.
Amen brudda
I use to lay on my grandpas grave and look at the full sky. Amazing.
The stars await..drive out if town , drive to a national park , or empty farm land , no jobs no money no people , no lights to guide people...30-50 miles out,,,into the sticks...and walk away 1000 feet from the last light bulb..then down in a gully or stream bed , this blocks out stray light , get red flash lights , or sit in the dark for 15-20 mins. No lights in your eyeballs - the muscle has to relax to open - flash and it cringes..20 mins getting adjusted ,have some tea..or hot cocoa..avoid clouds! Deserts have good veiwing , no water vapors ,
That’s one of the many things I love about living in Guam!!
My wife is from Colombia, and she says the same thing. When she first moved to the the New York area, she couldn’t believe how half the stars seemed to disappear.
In 1992, I was hired by a municipal bond company in Houston to go to American Samoa and build a competitive financing structure to the Hawaii based existing structure. I stayed about a month. The most hospitable experience imaginable!
I live in the west coast rain forest and I often say:- When you live in a rain forest you should expect two things. One of them is a forest.
Thank you for embracing our culture like you have. I love all your family adventures and I look forward to seeing more from you all! Tofā Soifua. Also, props on the pronunciation!
Thank you, we try our best 😊
Like how you people " embrace " our culture when you invade, I mean move here?
@@mojohinson1540 This is our Country now all you can do is cry about it😈😈😈
You guys are looking more Samoan everyday. That’s awesome!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am a born and raised Samoan in America 🇺🇸. You explained the traditions and culture so eloquently and respectfully. And all the folks that commented have also added to the things we wish we would have known. Loved it! I am a Subscriber now. Keep us informed 👍 thanks again!🏝❤🙏
Faafetai for the comment and the sub!
I love you guys. My husband is from Texas and it's great to show him a non-Samoan point-of-view. Thank you. You guys are awesome. Manuia le vaiaso. Soifua.
Thanks! It’s always nice to see things from different perspectives.
You marry a palagi (or perhaps a "brother"), but pretend to be "close" to your Samoan culture? SMH. You're about as "traditionally Samoan" as Juju Smith Schester's mother
Thank you for embracing all that our small island home has to offer. I can see how you have assimilated well and you do not judge with your observations. In all, thank you for your appreciation and sharing the love that we all have for American Samoa, a very unique Paradise in the middle of nowhere. God bless and keep up the great vlogs.
We really appreciate that!
I love this couple! I’m from the Island and people like these guys makes our little island special
Sole! I lived for a very long time in Am. Samoa and you guys have been to more beaches then I ever knew about. Maybe I was to busy doing fe'aus 😂 but thank you for the awesome videos. I can share this with my kids. One day they can also visit my village but for now they can watch from your videos 😂. Thank you
A bit of history on Polynesians. Our woman ancestors did not need bikini because they walked around not covering their breast and there was no shame because that was our culture. When the missionaries arrived, that all changed as the islanders were taught to cover up. Also, we do not bury our loved ones solely for the land. First there is no community cemetery and we bury our loved ones on our land to be near us. If I could have buried my parents on my property that I supposedly own (paid of my mortgage already) then I would have done so but it is against the law here in the USA). I do commend you both for all that you share and thank you for the respect and embrace you give to the Samoan culture. Blessings to your Aiga!
I didn’t realize that was against the law in the US, but I never considered before moving here either. And yeah, I think it’s beautiful that yours was a culture where the human form wasn’t a shameful thing to be hidden ❤️ It is what it is today, but there’s a beauty and freedom in the way it used to be.
As we say here in 423 Tennessee, If you don't like the weather just wait about 10 mins. LOL
Same in 865
I live in Tennessee, and I don't understand why folks say this. I did, however, live in Colorado for a bit, and one day I was wearing shorts at 9am cause it was pretty hot. By that afternoon the wind picked up a little, so I put on a light jacket. By the time my friend and I walked out of the movie theater that evening (9pm) there was already half an inch of snow on the ground. So, in twelve hours it went from hot and dry to cold and snowy, and we weren't even in the mountains. We were along the front range.
You’re translation of what Am Sam means to you both is everything! I don’t know you guys, but I’m so happy that you both are so immersed in the culture and heritage of Samoa! Thank you! Your take on what Aiga means.... spot on! Good for you two for taking part! They will definitely be there for you as well! So happy I found your channel! Malo lava le tausi aiga!
Thank you! That’s what we’ve found to be true so far ❤️
#8 really resonates with me. I live in Los Angeles where the beaches are littered with people doing everything to make the beach feel like their living rooms. Last week, I saw a family reunion in Malibu and they brought what must have been a 20x20x20x20 Persian style rug, 4 huge canopy tents BBQs. They were all super sweet, but WOW! Tell me more about the empty beaches
Haha, what else is there to say? There’s no one on them 😄
@@AmSamFam I just love your channel!
Ive only been to the motherland once while i was younger and i just watch this to gain more knowledge on what ive been missing.. you guys are beautiful in my eyes for loving our little island thank you guys for these vlogs and for keeping respect in our culture and tradition🙏
Thank you! 🙏☺️ We love our island home and the people who live here ❤️Hopefully you can visit again soon.
thank you for a lovely description of American Samoa. I live in Washington, State. I probably won't go to A. Somoa., I lived in Hawaii and worked at Farrell's International Market. I wore many hat's when I worked at this diner, ice cream parlor. I often worked in the kitchen with Samoan's. They teased me a lot, I have many good memories of fry cooking in the kitchen, with my Samoan family. I wish you and your family much happiness. truly
I believe it 😄 From our experience, Samoans are very friendly, but also love to have a good time 🤙
I feel your pain, I just visited Am.Samoa 4 months ago, from CYPRESS.TX to Hawaii, Am.Samoa, Trying to get in a like like bus, or leke leke bus with big fats SAMOANS, we'll I could use some butter. Peace and love every day from CYPRESS.TX.
Talofa!
I traveled from Chicago to work for ASG in 1984 on a 2 year contract. Lived on Lua street in Tafuna.
As far as shortages go, there was a store whose motto w as “If we don’t have it you don’t need it.” I still laugh when I think of that.
Memories I still treasure:
Warmth of Samoan people
Diving & snorkeling and seeing all the fish.
Amount of stars in the night sky
How quickly friends are made
FRESH seafood
Sunsets & Sunrises
My first daughter being born at LBJ
The full price for that - $2 (for the birth certificate)
Tofa
It’s funny how most of this still seems pretty similar. The thing is, that store’s slogan is true. The items that we may want, but can’t find on-island, are not that difficult to live without. It’s actually kinda nice to live without all of the creature comforts of the states. It’s a good reminder that we can live with less than we may think and still find a great deal of happiness.
"Lua street"? Do the streets have names? I got an impression that American Samoa, like the majority of Japan, and Kahnawake (reservation near Montreal, in Canada) does things the Fa'a U2....as in "Where the Streets Have No Name"
😂👍
@@raakone Hi there. Most of the streets don’t have names there. The only ones I know of that do are in the Government Housing near the Airport.
Great video guys....just one complaint....if you would've rolled the camera at the 11:26 mark...you would've filmed my GGM's grave on the other side of the LMS church. That's our place. LoL. Also....your sei went on the wrong ear. Unless thats the side you wear your wedding band. Other than that...great cut. Stay safe out there. Faafetai lava.
I always look forward to your vlogs. I’m impressed with your love of American Samoa. I agree with your perspective of living life in a “living culture. They say that “when tradition gathers enough strength to go on for centuries, you don’t just turn it off one day.” This episode is very informative. Tourism office could use it for visitors..... thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Lui!
In 2015 I spent 100 days in Am Sam. The people are wonderful, respect them and their culture and they respect you. I will be returning soon to bring alternative energy solutions, along with lower KW costs! I will also fix the many issues that Starkist have which in turn will help the hard working folks there. I will look you guys up when I get back, we'll have a couple of Vailimas at Tisa's barefoot by the Sea. Manuia
Sounds like you’re doing some awesome work!
Can you hire me to help you.
@@rascosiatunuu4351 We can certainly talk about it. At this time I've working with Reupena Tagaloa for 5 years now.
My email address is ajrusch@yahoo.com
Send me an email and we can exchange phone numbers. Manuia - Arnold
Yeah it rains just like Florida, off and on and normally rains early afternoon timeframe. It is called the tropics. If you live in Florida, you are used to it already. 😁
When I lived in Cocoa Beach when it starts raining that's when you go to the beach. All the tourist would leave and it would rain for maybe an hour
Florida is not in the tropics. Its humid subtropical. Florida actually gets cooler than than 60F in winter. Florida has no tropical rainforest. They may have swamps and tropical plants and palm trees but not like in Colombia for instance.
@@comm2531 Yeah it's actual subtropical and not in the tropics. I am just trying to explain to the snow birds why it rains a lot and humid.
Well I'm in south Florida and in the summer we do get blasted by the storms cooked up over the Everglades. Samoa my be a nice place to visit for a week but no way and i moving away from our grocery store, Publix
Got off of work and came on here to check for a new video but there was none until now!!!! Love Am Sam Fam Tuesdays!!
Oh no, we almost missed you. Glad you got your AMSAMFAM fill 😊
42 years ago when I first got married there was three Samoans that visited a neighbor by me and they would stay some while in town on tour, two of the guys were professional wrestlers, they were the biggest island people I have ever seen, gigantic and stronger than all get out. They were so big they had to ride in a van, they could not get into a car. I used to see them wrestle on television.
I came to your most popular video hoping maybe you'd see this and let us all know why we haven't seen you in a couple years? Ultimately I know it's really none of our business...but just maybe a bread crumb of what's going on? Thanks for the great videos!
2 seasons, rainy and rainier.
I remember the saying: "There are two seasons, the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, it rains every day; the wet season, it rains all day."
Great video, family!!! I agree on all ten, but the sour cream comment is soooooo true. We can't find Diet Coke right now. One thing I've noticed- all the dogs/ lack of vet/ pets aren't spayed and neutered regularly. And everything, I mean everything, is closed on Sundays.
All excellent points, Bev. We’ve received a lot of comments about the dogs. We may have to make a part 2 of this list and put that at the top.
lol..........your right......" a Living Culture" ____Respect of their Elder's and LOVE in a genuine way!.."family".....those are "rare" nowadays!........keep on keeping on!......awesome beach view!
You can remove Mt Rainmaker it may help you guys with the rain (Samoan jokes) Thanks for the reminders help us prepare for that rain when visiting Am Samoa. Wish we knew too some things before moving to the US, Just enjoy your time in Am Samoa
True, but Tutuila wouldn’t be the same without it 😊
I'm glad you like our culture thanks for taking time to talk about it fa'afetai :)
My family has land in aloau I'm saving up now to go down and see it this covid threw a big wrench in that plan but I'll be down there blessings to you and your family
Oh man, what a bummer. Hopefully we’ll see you down here in 2021!
Talofa lava guys! I love the content of this video! You are the man Nate!! I true followers of your channel and by fat this one is my personal favorite, because you guys are so passionate about my beautiful culture.. thank you for sharing your beautiful Journey. Keep it coming please.. Tofa.
@5:23 that’s my homeland of ofu, Manu’a.
Regarding hospital, I just wanted to say if you're not Resident status then you can get charged an arm and a leg. You get resident status when you've been here 2 years. So, SAVE your flight ticket from the day you arrived. This happened to me and I was clueless where to find my flight ticket.
I grew up in Samoa. Lived in the village of Leone, attended Leone High School and left to start my life after graduation.
I had the best childhood. Samoa is paradise.
As a child, discipline is enforced, responsibility is taught early and traditions are upheld.
Your "Palagi attempt" for the umu cracked me up. You guys are doing fine.
Still love this place.
Haha I graduated from Leone high in 1982, was there for Sophomore and Junior as well. Freshman year was at Samoana. We lived a short walk from the school, too.
Very informative guys. Thank you and I wish you all have a great life with health living over there.
My mom and dad are buried in front of our home because we want our loved ones close by. It's also believed that when our loves are called home to heaven, being buried on family land, they are still around protecting our families that are still alive and protecting our home as well. I never heard of graves being used as landmarks for peoples land before. I heard some stories that graves were dug up to be relocated due to family disagreements or family getting kicked off of communal land so all their family that were buried there would have to relocate too. I'm from Nuuuli so I recognized all those gravesites you had on your video and it makes me miss my village even more. I grew up there and I really noticed a huge difference in the village, what a change. The last time I was there was in 2004 for my Mom's funeral. Our home goes more towards the back by the lagoon. We swam more towards Coconut point, less long sea cucumbers. Growing up swimming there the kids use to tell me they were poisonous, lol, and alot of other stories that when I think of them now, I laugh and share them all the time with my kids and grandkids. My husband who worked for Marine Wildlife and use to collect tropical fish, was a diver and later changed career to law enforcement as a police officer. He passed away in February this year. My husband and I never ever regretted raising our kids in Samoa first before moving to the mainland. I came across one of your videos right after my husband passed. I love your videos very much and know my husband would have loved them as well, especially with your diving adventures because of my husband's love for the ocean and his diving experiences he never shared with me because he knew it would freak me out. Keep up the good work. Love the all the pictures. Thank you so very much. I now live in Lakewood Washington and I wish my husband and daughter were buried in front of my house. Wishful thinking I guess.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story ❤️ Our love goes out to you and your family. Stay safe and take care 💕
From the headline of your video, I thought you were going to spill some negative comments about the island....but I am very happy that I gave it view and that you did a wonderful job describing your feelings in a very positive way! I live in Samoa (formally Western Samoa) and I visit often to Am. Samoa and have some really great friends there....,yes, it's a very, very special place.....I am once again happy to see your video...take care, God bless and enjoy the Pacific! Tupa'i Bruno
We did get a little tricky with our headline, didn’t we? Faafetai for your kind words, Bruno!
Oi sole! The man, the legend Bruno is commenting on your videos.
Growing up in Samoa and Am Samoa, it was always a treat to have the circus in town! Thanks for all the memories, Bruno! I see you have opened an amusement park in Upolu. Next time I’m back home, I’m coming to see you!
@@jacob54us You are very kind....and we'll see you at Samoa Fiafia Park....have a great day!
#3, Is just natural with all islander's!!(Samoa, Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Tokelau) etc... Looking right, left, as far ur eyes can see, is all a family connection!! Taking care of one another is every where & never ending!! GB
Very informative! Your willingness to experience and learn about the Samoan culture is very positive. My hubby and I enjoy watching your videos together. It’s so exciting to see familiar landmarks, especially from our beautiful village of Nu’uuli❤️
love your videos and thank you for sharing our island to the world.
How are you more excited to be in Samoa than we are? I missed home. So simple. Some day soon i'm coming back home.
Awesome!
Awesome video guys.
Originally from NZ I spent the better part of my teens to my mid 20s in American Samoa with my 2 younger brothers. So many memories and good times.We all live in Australia now but PPG 96799 will always be home away from home. 🇦🇸🇦🇸
Hopefully after Covid we make a trip back to visit again.
Thanks, McMillan! Let us know when you make it out here.
Your family is way too cute!! Love the videos!! I miss my home so much. We moved to the States in 1996. You guys pass alot of the old stomping grounds in your videos. For me it's a nice trip down memory lane! Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! God bless!
You’ve been gone too long! I think it’s about time for a visit.
@@AmSamFam I totally agree! 🌴🌺🌊🌞☔
Love it how easy it is to understand u guys. I’m practicing English and watching random videos and run it yours here on UA-cam. Easy to understand and also very fun video.
Why did you move there and what do you do for a living
I'm looking forward to moving there and calling it my home. From Colorado, the cost of living is going up, Knowing is mostly christian friendly to close the deal, I really can't wait.
the sour cream mention cracked me up because we experience it alot as we try to have tacos, burritos night at least once a week so we try & buy in bulk...was curious as to what you meant by "things you wish you knew before moving here" did you mean it as regrets not knowing after the fact or more so as things you weren't prepared for? love this new video...here's something that could be for a list of things that's also good about American Samoa...no homeless people on the streets..saw alot of it in Hawaii & San Francisco.. thanks!
We definitely meant that it would have been nice to be prepared for these things. Like the rain... it seemed like it didn’t stop raining for weeks after we arrived on-island. That combined with the heat and culture shock, left me wishing I’d been more prepared. That being said, we’ve never regretted our move here. Even on hard days, we’ve never looked back. Which is why we’re still here 😄 And yes, I was surprised by the lack of homeless. When I learned that’s because people just take care of each other and don’t abandon them, I felt a love for the Samoan people and culture for this true evidence of love and humanity ❤️
@@AmSamFam the last time I was home there were only like 3 or 4 homeless people on the island. Everyone knew their names because of that fact. But they weren't really "homeless"💁, " homeless"💁, they had families they go home to every once in a while, also all of them had some type of mental issue. Vao, Veka, and Pe'a were the well knowns ones, idk if the homeless numbers went up or down.
@@zeedstun9090 don't see anymore around, the few you mentioned had families they went home to if they weren't wandering the streets, some were taken in by Hope House to live out their final days in a loving home care enviroment & sadly some have passed on..there was 1 palagi man, but I haven't seen him around in years, probably taken in by a local family..now just see a local guy & the palagi guy who walk the streets regularly during the day but must have a place to go home to at night.
@@markfoster2624 Oh wow, it's been a long time and I just now remember a Palagi guy always walking around the island with I think it was a SpongeBob Backpack??? I think there were rumors about him being a spy or something 😂
Mark Foster deal with it.
Go to the most beautiful beach in Am.Samoa,it’s between the village of Poloa and Failolo......Amanave better known as A-town
Amanave is beautiful!! We’ll have to head over for a video soon.
Hey guys thanks for ur good choice we the island people we appreciate ur n welcome tell u this Samoa is a island of Paradise live free at the weather easy life especially virus free thanks very much
These Samoan islands truly are Paradise and we’re so grateful to be able to experience life here ❤️
So fun to see your footage and hear your experience. I lived in Tafuna from 1965-67 as a young girl. It was quite different then. This experience has continued to shape and inform my life. So many beautiful and amazing memories. Thank you for this video.
That’s so cool. I wish I could have seen AmSam back in the 60s.
Growing up in Samoa I strongly believe everything said in this video is true .Sad as it is, our people do not mind trash . For this reason we don’t know how we are hurting our environment. Love this channel so much !
I'm from Samoa . i think they need to clean up the beaches and the whole island. Now I'm in the main land.
Mālo soifua! Excellent video. Happy that you are enjoying living Samoan style!
I've found that your remarks on culture apply everywhere I've been - if you embrace the local culture instead of expecting it to adapt to your American (or other) expectations, you can be very happy wherever you go. Glad to see how peaceful and happy y'all look!
Thank you! And yes, you’re totally right. No matter where you go, I think people just appreciate when outsiders come to appreciate their home, rather than fight against it.
Your videos are making me to want to come back and visit! My family is from the village of Vatia and I was so happy to see one of your vlogs where you and the kids went there..thank you for sharing! God bless and be safe! Alofa atu🙏🏼🙏🏼
Love your reasons! Our people are blessed to have you. Love and miss you guys! Keep it up Melinda. Love love your adventures.
Thanks for sharing your adventure! We moved from the mainland to Oahu two years ago and we have been learning alot about the culture and we still are learning things we wish we would have known before moving
There’s only so much you can learn from afar. It’s the things that you learn while actually living in a culture that tend to be the most surprising, right?
I’m from Kailua, and I live on the mainland now and it’s not so vastly different.
You guys are so awesome n again Faafetai for the positive you put out to the world about OUR beautiful HOME!!!!!
Thank you for sharing... I miss home so much!
i was born n raised in hawai'i to a samoan mother and a palagi dad, lived on and off in hawai'i and western samoa (dual citizenship) for the first 9 years of my life.
i've always been interested in living in american samoa because i never really felt "in place" in the mainland (left hawai'i and samoa for good summer of 2011), but a lot of my family that i have left from western samoa have moved to either NZ, aus, or american samoa. i became accustomed to life in western samoa, but american samoa is heavily different. looks like i'm going to have to binge your guys' videos for the next few weeks (or months). fa'afetai kele lava.
I visited PagoPago in the early 80s. I wish I would have Stayed for a year or so! It was beautiful tho!🤙
Thank you. You've educated me a lot about American Samoa in this video.
You are so lucky 🌸..beautiful vintage point..🌺. Living the dream 😎. God bless your family 🙏😇
good video.. so many memories of my time there about 30 years before you arrived. Used to fish by the lites of the tuna boats in the harbor from 2 -7am ( until sum came up over Rainmaker mountain). Made my share of umu ovens. Lived in Utulei. i don't know if true but heard they used to swim across the harbor ( before the tuna factories arrived) with their schoolbooks in one arm above the water to get to school...how cool is that!
I’m not saying it’s not true, but it sounds an awful lot like the stories made dad used to tell about walking to school in 10 feet of snow, uphill both ways 😉 Either way, I’d like to think they did. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Thanks for sharing! Love how you guys are experiencing the culture by living there and it's so awesome that you've been there for 3 years already!
Living on an island definitely opens your eyes to the things you'd take for granted overseas! Hope you guys are enjoying your time there! Much love x
Sometimes we can’t believe it’s been three years already either. Life on the island is certainly different, but we wouldn’t go back and change our decision for anything.
I use to fly the MD-11 jumbo jets in the cargo configuration and we would deliver American mail to American Somoa from Hawaii. Then we would continue on to Australia....good memories.
Welcome back to amsam fam is my favorite 4 words on UA-cam
Awww, that’s so sweet! We love sharing all that’s beautiful about this place ❤️ Thanks for sticking with us.
The health care was part of the treaty when the island was negotiating for becoming a territory
Our ancestors are always with us!!! We believe they enforce the faa-Samoa in our daily lives! So, we the living are always aware that whatever we do, say or anything, our ancestors are watching us n guiding us to do right !!! That’s why most of the graves are next to our homes!!
Thanks for explaining that perspective on the front yard graves. It’s a really beautiful way to look at it.
I was born and raised in Coconut Point, Nu’uuli. My house is at the end of the road, the green and white. It would be really great and amazing if you guys did a whole tour of our neighborhood walking towards the back. It’s beautiful back there!! Stay safe❤️❤️
That’s a great idea! Thanks ❤️
Congratulations on a lifestyle change. It will be different but it sounds like you both have adjusted quite well. Learning the language, culture and traditions and living in a lifestyle that many would envy. Granted there are things that you will miss but after not having freezing snow and tons of extra clothing that you never wear, you won't miss it. The weather, well, sounds like you've never been in Orlando, where it was like Hilo, Hawaii, on the dot, heavy rain daily about the same time of day for a few minutes and then sunny skies like the clouds were never there. Then its humid city and you feel like you had a shower with your clothes on. Tsunami's, Hurricanes are dangerous but snowed in, tornados, searing droughts, sinkholes, forest fires, springtime flooding are not problems that will be much concern. Enjoy Samoa. I think you forgot to mention that Mormons have a strong base there, so it might explain some conservative feelings, but they are a gracious and friendly people. Enjoy your time there as its a experiences your kids will appreciate when they are grown up.
One day, I will take a vacation to American Samoa. One did it will happen. It's on my bucket list.
Good, we hope you’ll love it as much as we do ❤️
I have only come across your channel today and have watched a few videos, I’m very intrigued, you’re both great talkers and I enjoy watching! I just subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing!
I just found your channel and I can say it is very refreshing! I`ve always been in love with south pacific cultures and finding a channel like yours it is just a must for subscribing! Thank you for sharing! sending my love all the way from Manchester - UK.
Awesome! We’re glad to find a kindred spirit. We love the people of culture of American Samoa ❤️
Favorite Video so far thank you as i love learning. Trying to shopping video.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences on American Samoa. This is a new interest for me and your video has ignited my new fascination in this most lovely Island and culture. Again, thank you so much.
So happy that you’ve found our videos helpful. There was very little information available when we were looking to move here back in 2017. It’s the main reason we started this channel. We’re glad to help fill that gap. Let us know if there’s anything else that you’d like to know!
Thank you for appreciating our culture and taking an interest. I don't want to bore you with my "2 cents" adding on to the many unsolicited "coins" lol. You guys are practically considered aiga at this point. Say hi if we ever cross paths. Soifua ma ia manuia!
My friend!!! It’s Burg!
I worked in American Samoa for a year in 2010-2011. I loved the people there! Great summary guys!! Thank you
Toga soifua, I really enjoyed the video! Years ago I used to date a Hawaiian girl who was fluent in her language. I learned so much about her culture. Now the native Hawaiians are a minority in their own islands and their culture is struggling to survive among hoards of tourists. I’m glad to see the Samoans doing such a good job of keeping their culture alive and vibrant. By the way, it looks like you’ve gotten a nice Polynesian tattoo!
Talofa! this is a really helpful list -- i always wanted to visit American Samoa, and some day hope to fulfill that. Good for everyone to be respectful of the culture when they visit, and when I eventually do :-)
Yes, it rains a lot
You really don’t see a lot of people at the beaches in Amsamoa swimming like out here in the mainland. The people love to go fishing n look for crabs, clamming and other things you can do. I remembered back in 1974 there used to be a lot of people swimming at utulei beach but on a Sunday after church and after toanai. Like I mention before the ocean or beaches in my generation time our ocean was never polluted with all these trashed as they are now adays. I was shocked when I came 2010 and we went to the beach in tafuna by the lion park. Lion park didn’t exist those days but it wasn’t trashy as it is now. In that area alone I had my very first encountered with a shark, for real and very very real. I was maybe 12 or 13 at the time, my brother inlaw took me to go hunting for fish. He had a 22 like a riffle and he would shoot at the fish and made me go in the ocean and get it. Oh, I hated it wen he made go get those fishes in the ocean, he would always takes me with him. That particular day he told me to go get the dead fish, and I did with feared of a shark might come and eat me. While I was looking for the fish, he said to me not to move there is a shark coming my way. I was scared, afraid and panic than I heard a shot. Yes, he shot that shark and thank God it wasn’t one of them big big shark, but it was long. It wasn’t a fully grown shark but it was a shark. I drag it home on foot with a strings of fishes on my neck. My generation I had a hard tough life, I never forget it. I’m 62 yrs old now. I thank God for his love and patience upon my life. I grew up in Nuuuli is my homeland and villiage both my and my dad. Thank you for sharing your video with me and many others I see their comments. ❤️😍❤️ your family
Graves, we don’t have to pay for a spot to be buried at but out here in the mainland shall do lol
I passed through American Samoa airport in 1980. I grabbed my camera, left the plane and was unable to see through the viewfinder. the camera had condensed up completely. The terminal had rectangular wall holes, but no windows. Similarly the bus with awnings but no windows. Sooooo humid. Even at just that it was an education. You know, low just before landing we passed over some trees which seemed to have a lot of basic shacks scattered through it. Many people joined us onwards to Honalulu. It was a Continental DC10
Makes me miss home so much :(
Very interesting, thank you for shearing. Best regards from Norway
Thanks! Take care 🤙
Omg, when I found out that it was a US Territory, I wanted to visit.
Dewayne Westmoreland one thing I’ve learned is Americans in general don’t have an awareness of geography!
@@jacksbackable I would like to visit. Where you from?
Yes, true...I once met a woman in California who asked where I was from and I answered "New England."
She replied, "Where's that?"
😄
Its one of the US Territories along with Guam,Northern Marianas Island, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands
@@Czech801 yes, I would like to visit
Can you give us some detail, maybe make a video about the VA healthcare and medical care in general in Samoa?
I lived on a Saipan everything you mention I lived through it.
I wish i would’ve brought a big supply of OFF spray and Benadryl cream for all the mosquitoes 🦟 that attack u out there. But great video, so much info for first time visitors. (Samoans and non Samoans) 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #aigafirst
So true! Thanks for commenting.
Well presented well done guys I'm a western samoa. We are all one AIGA
BUT NOW living in Australia.
I wish their medical facilities and doctors are perfect.
It would be my preferred retire in Samoa.
Thanks guys
Malo lava
We love the feeling of Aiga between the two Samoa’s. We’re not sure how long we’ll be here, but we definitely discuss retiring here ❤️ Or Australia 😄
You guys should do a collab with JamilyTV in Samoa if you ever head those ways
We love JAMily TV! Hopefully when the travel restrictions are lifted we can make it over to Apia and meet up with them!
I like American Samoa but Upolu is the real treat. It’s more of a foreign adventure in Upolu especially in Savii......Just be careful that you don’t get caught in the back villages at night cause the busses stop running at 5pm. But if you do, every villages has at least two pastors and they’ll always take you in for the night. I know I was stranded in Lotofaga and I ended up staying with a LMS Paster and his family for two weeks. I loved it.
Matthew Atuatasi we’re planning a trip to Savaii as soon as the travel restrictions are lifted. How cool that you ended up staying with the pastor’s family for two weeks! I’ll bet you have some really amazing stories from that trip.
I love that you loved my village of Ofu, Manu'a! That beach you were on (pictured on your T-shirt 😉), is actually on my family's land. Glad you had a great time. I'll be moving back home soon.
What an amazing place to live! Congrats.
I'm jealous of you two, in the best of ways. I've dreamed of possibly living in Samoa since I was a teen in 2003, when I was attending Job Corps in Utah and had nothing but Tongan & Samoan roommates telling me that the girls there would love me 😄. I'm older now, I'm single but the girls aren't as important to me as being somewhere that makes my complete soul happy and at ease. At this moment I'm unemployed but have a decent amount of money saved from working in the oil fields here in Northern Colorado and I feel an urgency to make a move to where I think I'll be happy, but idk exactly how to make it happen. I think I'm more scared of simply being alone in a new place.
I'll be sending you good vibes familiá🤙🏻
We get it. That can be very intimidating. We moved here without actually knowing a soul and, to be honest, it’s been hard at times but more often, it’s been the best move of our lives. It sounds like right now might be perfect timing… If you’re really interested, you should take a look at the American Samoa government website, to start looking for a job that could bring you here.
Best of luck!!
I love your videos, but you forgot to mention my beach. You can wear anything you want at Alega Beach because it's private. Also one of the few beaches that you can swim on Sunday. I'm the one who made it so😉. Totally get that your giving the norm, but don't forget the exceptions to rule. My grandfather Fa'amuli got tired of me wanting to swim on Sunday, and, everyone else getting in trouble for following me into the water on Sunday. 😂🤣😂🌺💯😉. So he took away the swimming on Sunday Taboo.
That’s awesome! Way to be a trendsetter!
We lived in Tafuna for years, in kanana fou at pulanga Frisco.
Watching people drive by the tuna fish factories for the first time was always hilarious.
Malo le Soifua,
Love the videos, appreciate your respect for the culture, also you guys are more Samoan than some of us now...😆 🤣 😂 ..much alofas and blessings to you guys and the kids. Faafetai tele lava, Soifua🤙 from Hawaii
How are the schools? Our family lived on Oahu for 5 years and the biggest drawback was how lacking public education was compared to mainland schools. It’s pretty wild to pay 3k a month rent, live in areas of million dollar homes yet somehow the schools suck.
We supplement our children’s education with some homeschooling. It works.
Great video😊
Can you do a cost of living video?
I have visited on cruise ships many times. Was there right after tsunami. Local buses great 3 different routes from downtown