Gov Howard Dean comes to American Samoa!

Governor Howard Dean visited American Samoa over the weekend. This was his final stop in his pledge to visit all 50 states and all US territories. He attended Friday's inauguration of the Governor, where he was served some of American Samoa's finest cuisine: three pieces of KFC chicken, KFC mashed potatoes, corn, two McDonald's fish fillet sandwiches, and a Quarter-Pounder. Seriously, that's what they served him. These photos come from a Democratic fundraiser we attended on Saturday night.

Dean has a special place in American Samoa's heart for once giving Wolf Blitzer the business after Wolf joked about American Samoa being seated at the DNC but not Michigan or Florida. As right he should, American Samoa has more Iraqi War casualties, per capita, than any other state.

Matt, Aaron, Doug, and Naomi wait for their turn with Gov Dean.















Gov Dean fills the gap















Also in attendance was one of my paddling coaches, Peti. Note my traditional Samoan formal attire and note Peti's 20 inch biceps.

Massacre Bay (sort of)

Co-clerk and I tried to hike to Massacre Bay on Saturday. The bay is on the north side of the island, which requires driving to the top of the island and hiking down to the other side. We ended up not finding Massacre Bay but landing on a bay previously untouched by palagi lawyers. Like Columbus, we didn't know where we were going when we left and didn't know where we were when we arrived.

Above, Chase cuts a path to Law Clerk Bay [Aoloau Bay].
Below, first sighting of water,















Nearing Law Clerk Bay















Arrival






























The walk back up was very steep and wrecked both of us but we persevered. At the top, a farmer greeted us with fresh coconuts.

Chase, triumphant














Me, triumphant

Life in the big city

Here is a quick tour of the Pago Pago harbor area. This is where the court is located, most of the government buildings, and the closest the island has to a big city. Above is the breakfast menu at Spike's Restaurant. I was impressed by the selection of breakfast side orders available, especially fifth from the bottom, "Taco."

Below is the mall, Tedi of Samoa.















Some urban housing




















The harbor















Some spooky public transportation















In case of Tsunami, just run from the wave as fast as you can















New market being built across from the Court















Me [in work attire] and the Court's marshall, Nix



















Our local coffee shop, 75 cents for the best cup of coffee on the island.

Tropical commute

My formerly broken digital camera has been returned by the good people at Canon,which means I have the video feature back. Here is a quick video taken on the way home from work, with some Tanzanian hip-hop playing in the background.

Happy New Year

I neglected my picture-taking duties this New Years. The expats had a pool party and welcomed 2009 outside and under the stars. Good times. Since I have no photos I will leave you with this video clip of a pee wee football game. It's terrible but try to watch it just once. Thanks to the Murphy blog for posting it. Happy New Year!