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.
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!
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.
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!🏝❤🙏
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
#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
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.
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.
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.
So many things still ring true from when I lived there! I can remember having to take my husband to the hospital for a kidney stone. I had to wheel him to x-ray in a wheelchair with no foot rests while carrying his urine sample to drop at the lab. They didn't change sheets in the ER between patients either. But is was free! If anything serious happened, you went to Hawaii for treatment.
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❤️
#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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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."
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!
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 !
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.
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"
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.
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
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!
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🙏🏼🙏🏼
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
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❤️❤️
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.
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!!
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.
The truth about the graves are that the Samoans believe that if you have loved the deceased ones during their lifetime why will you be afraid of them dead??? It's the dearest normal way of Samoan show of affection especially a most loved member of the family. Their grave becomes a meeting point for the family in the evenings we sit on or around it and talk, at times they are included in the conversation. We clean, we decorate their graves as mark of our love and affection. The Samoans have a very deep connection and belief in the spiritual presence of their deceased loved ones in their daily lives. There is a communion of spirits between the living and the dead. Another point is that Samoans love having their loved ones near them so that they can still connect to them than burying them in common cemeteries which are a rarity in Samoa. It is also the family 's rights to bury their dead in their own ancestral lands. Take care and God bless. I am happy to have just seen your video today. Soifua ma ia Manuia.❤❤❤
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
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.
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!
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'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'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.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. What an eye opening experience. Its great to see you have immersed yourselves fully into the culture. Wishing your family well 🙏 from New Zealand ❤
It is a great thing to be different. It is shocking seeing tombs around the houses because my culture. However I like the fact they prefer to have their ancestries buried in their property because love o tradition. I never imagined a culture like American Samoa. I will try to visit it someday. I got these channel because this morning a Samoan girl talked to me about American Samoa. I told her I am thinking leaving USA and move to a quieter place. To many drama here and conflicts. She was very friendly. And she talked about her culture with so much passion that I searched about it haha. I can tell their culture is very friendly. This is the first video I watched about American Samoa. And I liked it. Thank you guys.
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.
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.
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!
Love the videos, thank you for sharing, can’t wait to see what information you’ll be providing next. I really miss home since I left in 1995 for the Air Force. Maybe you guys can check out local restaurants, maybe a good place to wine and dine for couples etc. I still remember a lot of places, but I’m not sure what’s still there and what’s new. Well thank you again for sharing your experience🤙🏽😊
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!
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.
there are many graves just because each family likes to bury their own family member nearby them 💙 it can show appreciation of taking care of it ! You’ll definitely see on Memorial Day how everyone is with their graves!! 🥳🥳 by the way, some say tulou in front of dark roads they’re walking on when they see graves or something💛💛
I worked with people from Samoa . I lived in Washington State. Nicest people ever. At lunch always sharing food . Hard workers and such amazing friends to me. 💙💜🙌👐
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 😂
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
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
Thank you for your sharing I was in AS for so many years 2018 I left AS and move to Roy Utah mostly of my children in here I really miss the food in AS but the good thing to stay here is the hospital the service is so appreciate it so I can say go visit AS and learn more about the island so I can say God blessed you all in Jesus Name Amen love you all
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?
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 :-)
Don't be scared to speak up I used to live in Amouli we wouldn't even dare throw rubbish on the road while we driving home they fine you and now watching your blog with rubbish on the beach it's so sad really stay safe God bless 🤙💞
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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.
One thing you mentioned which is a must, you don't worry about your kids wandering nextdoor, because everyone is a family, they'll have a feed in there, and as freedom, not like USA,NZ,AUSTRALIA etc kids are like prisoners locked up everyday, just saying but thanks for a beautiful video
Yes, the weather change. I remember telling my wife on FaceTime that would take a shower and go out because it was beautiful and sunny outside, when I came out of the shower it was pouring cats and dogs!! 😂🤣 now, you mention you’re renting, how about buying land and or houses? I have some idea from the last time I was there but, didn’t get enough information. Let me know if you ever plan on visiting the beach in Failolo so I can tell our family there. It is beautiful for swimming and if you’re daring as you have been in your other videos, I can have someone take you to the five palm rock! 👌
I lived in Apia for 8 months in 1975 as a volunteer and only went to Am Samoa on occasion usually looking for spare parts. I must go again and have a good look around in Am Samoa. I was constantly running up against the Samoan customs it appeared everywhere in life. Be we had to adapt.
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.
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 love this couple! I’m from the Island and people like these guys makes our little island special
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.
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.
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😈😈😈
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!
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!
You guys are looking more Samoan everyday. That’s awesome!
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 ❤️
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.
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
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
I'm glad you like our culture thanks for taking time to talk about it fa'afetai :)
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
#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!
Very informative guys. Thank you and I wish you all have a great life with health living over there.
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.
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.
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.
should get rid of that unSamoan belief
Here in Oklahoma we have a lot of family burial plots on our private owned land
So many things still ring true from when I lived there! I can remember having to take my husband to the hospital for a kidney stone. I had to wheel him to x-ray in a wheelchair with no foot rests while carrying his urine sample to drop at the lab. They didn't change sheets in the ER between patients either. But is was free! If anything serious happened, you went to Hawaii for treatment.
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❤️
#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
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 😊
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 💕
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.
Love your reasons! Our people are blessed to have you. Love and miss you guys! Keep it up Melinda. Love love your adventures.
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! 🌴🌺🌊🌞☔
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.
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."
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!
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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 😊
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!
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🙏🏼🙏🏼
I worked in American Samoa for a year in 2010-2011. I loved the people there! Great summary guys!! Thank you
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
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 ❤️
Mālo soifua! Excellent video. Happy that you are enjoying living Samoan style!
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.
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.
You guys are so awesome n again Faafetai for the positive you put out to the world about OUR beautiful HOME!!!!!
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.
The truth about the graves are that the Samoans believe that if you have loved the deceased ones during their lifetime why will you be afraid of them dead??? It's the dearest normal way of Samoan show of affection especially a most loved member of the family. Their grave becomes a meeting point for the family in the evenings we sit on or around it and talk, at times they are included in the conversation. We clean, we decorate their graves as mark of our love and affection. The Samoans have a very deep connection and belief in the spiritual presence of their deceased loved ones in their daily lives. There is a communion of spirits between the living and the dead.
Another point is that Samoans love having their loved ones near them so that they can still connect to them than burying them in common cemeteries which are a rarity in Samoa. It is also the family 's rights to bury their dead in their own ancestral lands.
Take care and God bless. I am happy to have just seen your video today. Soifua ma ia Manuia.❤❤❤
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 ❤️
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.
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!
love your videos and thank you for sharing our island to the world.
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 love how you guys are always speaking the language. 👍🏼💪🏼👏👏👏
Faafetai lava!
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'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.
Thoroughly enjoyed your video. What an eye opening experience. Its great to see you have immersed yourselves fully into the culture. Wishing your family well 🙏 from New Zealand ❤
It is a great thing to be different. It is shocking seeing tombs around the houses because my culture. However I like the fact they prefer to have their ancestries buried in their property because love o tradition. I never imagined a culture like American Samoa. I will try to visit it someday. I got these channel because this morning a Samoan girl talked to me about American Samoa. I told her I am thinking leaving USA and move to a quieter place. To many drama here and conflicts. She was very friendly. And she talked about her culture with so much passion that I searched about it haha. I can tell their culture is very friendly. This is the first video I watched about American Samoa. And I liked it. Thank you guys.
Very cool! It’s a beautiful and very friendly place. Hopefully you’ll be able to visit soon ❤️
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.
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 ❤️
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!
This is great! You both have learned the "spirit" of the Samoan culture. Especially as palagi's. Keep up the good work! Blessings!
Love the videos, thank you for sharing, can’t wait to see what information you’ll be providing next. I really miss home since I left in 1995 for the Air Force. Maybe you guys can check out local restaurants, maybe a good place to wine and dine for couples etc. I still remember a lot of places, but I’m not sure what’s still there and what’s new. Well thank you again for sharing your experience🤙🏽😊
Will do!
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!
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.
there are many graves just because each family likes to bury their own family member nearby them 💙 it can show appreciation of taking care of it ! You’ll definitely see on Memorial Day how everyone is with their graves!! 🥳🥳 by the way, some say tulou in front of dark roads they’re walking on when they see graves or something💛💛
We hadn’t ever heard the Tulou thing but someone else mentioned that in a comment too. Good to know.
Yes I was raised on Ofu...just simply beautiful...
I visited PagoPago in the early 80s. I wish I would have Stayed for a year or so! It was beautiful tho!🤙
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.
I worked with people from Samoa . I lived in Washington State. Nicest people ever. At lunch always sharing food . Hard workers and such amazing friends to me. 💙💜🙌👐
Sharing is basically the pillar of the Samoan culture. Thanks for sharing!
@@AmSamFam 💙
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.
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 are so lucky 🌸..beautiful vintage point..🌺. Living the dream 😎. God bless your family 🙏😇
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!
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!
Thank you for your sharing I was in AS for so many years 2018 I left AS and move to Roy Utah mostly of my children in here I really miss the food in AS but the good thing to stay here is the hospital the service is so appreciate it so I can say go visit AS and learn more about the island so I can say God blessed you all in Jesus Name Amen love you all
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.
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 :-)
Don't be scared to speak up I used to live in Amouli we wouldn't even dare throw rubbish on the road while we driving home they fine you and now watching your blog with rubbish on the beach it's so sad really stay safe God bless 🤙💞
Yes, the beach at Amouli is always really clean. It’s a shame all the villages don’t do the same.
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 ❤️
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.
Thank you. You've educated me a lot about American Samoa in this video.
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
Those people has really good respect.👍👍
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!
Luv this video and thank you for sharing and appreciating our culture
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 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!
Great video😊
Can you do a cost of living video?
The health care was part of the treaty when the island was negotiating for becoming a territory
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.
Thanks for letting me know how much it is so valuable to me to live in the islands. I really appreciate everything you two have done to educate people
Our pleasure!
Thank you for sharing... I miss home so much!
One thing you mentioned which is a must, you don't worry about your kids wandering nextdoor, because everyone is a family, they'll have a feed in there, and as freedom, not like USA,NZ,AUSTRALIA etc kids are like prisoners locked up everyday, just saying but thanks for a beautiful video
What an awesome and informative video!!! Thank you for sharing this
Very interesting, thank you for shearing. Best regards from Norway
Thanks! Take care 🤙
Yes, the weather change. I remember telling my wife on FaceTime that would take a shower and go out because it was beautiful and sunny outside, when I came out of the shower it was pouring cats and dogs!! 😂🤣 now, you mention you’re renting, how about buying land and or houses? I have some idea from the last time I was there but, didn’t get enough information. Let me know if you ever plan on visiting the beach in Failolo so I can tell our family there. It is beautiful for swimming and if you’re daring as you have been in your other videos, I can have someone take you to the five palm rock! 👌
We’ll let you know. Thanks!
I lived in Apia for 8 months in 1975 as a volunteer and only went to Am Samoa on occasion usually looking for spare parts. I must go again and have a good look around in Am Samoa. I was constantly running up against the Samoan customs it appeared everywhere in life. Be we had to adapt.