I Left Paradise and Arrived in Heaven

I left my beautiful village yesterday for Apia. Had a great Chinese dinner last night and stayed at a dumpy hotel. Let's just say they have box springs but no mattresses and no windows. There is air con, though.

This morning I took the 30 minute flight from Apia to Pago Pago, American Samoa. Wonderful views of both Upolu and Tutuila. The only unpleasant aspect of the flight was having to be publicly weighed as part of check in.

I headed straight for the hospital, where I was to see the dentist. After getting my registration card, which was typed up on an electric typewriter, I went to the dental department. The hospital seemed clean but made me look for Jack Nicholson, playing his part in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Not a plush place.

The staff in the dental department were great, and thanks to our stellar medical officer, were waiting for me. After about a 30 minute wait, I was taken in to see the Fijian dentist. He patched my crown in short order and sent me on my way. He also told me where to catch a bus, so I could save cab fare.

I met several locals while trying to find the right bus. They were very friendly and several were from Savaii. I was happy to speak a bit of Samoan, since although people here seem to speak more English than in Samoa, I heard virtually no English except when addressing me.

I got off the bus at my first stop...Carl Jrs. Yes, that's the same Carl Jrs. that they have in California. The one where they have a green steak burrito. Green chiles. Cheese. Steak. Tortilla chips with rice and beans on the side. Yes,this is heaven.

I hopped back on another bus after chatting with another woman from Savaii. She told the bus driver the name of my hotel and was very kind. Several other people on the bus asked where I was going and also told the bus driver where to take me. Based on people's reactions, I'm guessing not many palagis here ride the bus.

The driver pulled the bus right up to the entry of a very nice hotel. The doorman came over to help me with my bag and was trying, unsuccessfully, not to laugh out loud over the the fact that one of their guests showed up on the local bus.

When checking in, I asked if I could have a room with a bathtub. It's been 9 months since I had a bath and was hopeful. The reception clerk said that my room didn't have one. Oh well, a hot shower was still going to be nice.

She then excused herself and disappeared into a back room for a couple of minutes. She came back and continued checking me in. As she handed me my key she told me that they'd given me a complimentary upgrade. I thanked her and followed a bellman (a bellman!!!!) to the elevator. 9 months since I've seen one of those.

He escorted me to my...suite. Complete with living room, kitchenette, dining area and bedroom with a 4 poster king sized bed. And a bathroom with an extra deep bathtub. And I'm not sharing it with a few PCVs. Yes, I've arrived in American-style luxury. Heaven.

Now I'm heading for a store we passed. It looks like a Sam's Club. I hear the prices are great and can't wait to check it out.

I'm considering chipping a tooth once a month so I get to come back here on a regular basis.

P. S. Please know that your tax dollars are not paying for my hotel in Pago. PC paid the airfare, but the hotel and food are on me, and worth every American penny.

I just realized that they stamped my passport when I entered American Samoa. That means I've now been to 57 countries. Still a long way from my goal of 100, but I'm inching closer.