Million dollar view, $3 course

9 holes, $3. This post is mostly for my father. Yes, Eli, there is a golf course. It exists as certainly as love and generosity.... I'll stop there. Went out on this 18 hole course last night and I was impressed. The grounds are a little rough but the view is incredible. It is definitely a step up from the Mt. Prospect Golf Club, where I first "learned" to play. Friday night golf is a time-honored tradition among the ex-pats on the island, which is understandable considering the view, price, and the fact you can golf with groups of 8-12 at a time...and the fact they sell Vailima beer on the course. These same facts also appear to lead to the occasional run in with angry Japanese businessmen, see Picture 2.

The neighborhood

A quick shot of my new neighborhood. Mostly just houses like mine in an area called Lion's Park. Like many areas of the world, man's best friend has been introduced to American Samoa and have become a bit of pest. There seems to be a lot of dogs on this island and most appear to run wild. I was told however that there used to be a lot more on the island until the governnment cracked down recently. A large Pacific arts festival was in AS a few weeks back and to clean up the island's appearance the government took a cue from St. Patrick and tried to drive the dogs from the island. Unlike St. Patrick, however, the AS government was not armed with the awesome and hoary power of God and instead just went around shooting the little guys. I am a dog lover but stray dogs are not cool and from what I have been told the island is a much more pleasant place since AS dropped the hammer. Needless to say some hearty strays went underground and survived the onslaught. Here is one such member of the Résistance. My co-clerk has named him Brownie and has somewhat adopted him. Brownie is dirty and so I pet him with my shoe. Although gross, I applaud Brownie for his tenacity, vive Brownie!

Waterfall

Saturday was my first trip into the hills behind my house. Tagging along with some other tropical lawyers, I saw and swam under my first Samoan waterfall. The pictures don't do it justice but the area was right out of a movie. The pool below was deep and cold. Although scenes like this will probably become routine as the year goes on, it was a great start to the weekend.

Ned's Island Hut

Here it is, home for one year. The yard needs some work and the inside definitely needs a new paint job -- looks like the last few residents were throwing each other against the walls. But the view from the front yard is outstanding so no complaints here.

First Morning

I have the Internet up and running finally and can post some pictures. I thought I'd start with my first morning here. This was the view from my hotel room as the sun rose over Rainmaker Mountain in Pago Pago. The first view days were spent at the hotel as my house was still getting prepped for my arrival.

Hello Pago Pago

I have arrived! I and my luggage arrived safely late last night. It has rained twice since I woke up this morning -- not much else to report. Photos will follow once I get my own laptop up and running.

Goodbye Los Angeles

This blog will chronicle my year in American Samoa but first I need to say goodbye to downtown Los Angeles! Goodbye Bartlett Building, my seven minute walk to work, the late Larry, man with rabbit in a stroller, lone gunman on the roof of the Hayward Hotel, militant bouncer at Charlie O's, Wu-Tang Clan at Club 740 and everything else that made this neighborhood unique.