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Around the world with Traveler
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<blockquote data-quote="traveler" data-source="post: 257895" data-attributes="member: 1954"><p>By the way, when we exited the first bus, I gave the driver another $2.00 since this was a cheap ride to start with.</p><p> </p><p>After lunch we were back on land for more. We walked about a half mile this time to the bus station itself. I had in mind to travel to the north side of the island over the mountains to Vatia. There were four aisles for passengers to wait for busses but I didn't see any markings on the aisles so I asked one of the drivers waiting for people to fill his bus about the one I wanted. He happily told us that that bus would be in the third aisle but none was there now. After waiting about ten minutes, a bus arrived and we boarded with the knowledge we would pay on exit this time. We drove around the long harbor to the other side where we <strong><em>smelled and saw</em></strong> the canneries for Starkist Tuna along with three other canneries. There were no entry signs on most unguarded doors but we found out later that a good hard knock on the door and a request for a tour would probably be honored. Another Volley Ball player did just that and was treated to a tour of the facility. He did say that the bad smell was all on the outside, the inside was quite clean. Back to the ride... We began to climb the mount letting off and picking up just a few passengers along the way. The CD was playing local tunes and some US oldies in native Samoan language! Most had groceries bought in town. After the bus labored up the hills we reached the top and were treated to a wonderful view of the beautiful north shore. I snapped a few pictures as we traveled down the mountains. When we reached the end of the line in Vatia what looked like a sandy beach from the mountain was actually a pebble covered beach like area. The bus driver was a bit confused when we didn't get off. He insisted that the ride was done but I explained we were just tourists and on for the round trip ride. I did observe that the cost of this ride was $1.00 per person. He notified us that it would be $2.00 each to complete the circle to Pago Pago and then asked if I would like him to stop at the top of the mountain for a few photos. I said yes and in a few moments, after loading up the bus with new passengers, we were on our way. As we started back up the mountain, the rains came with a vengeance. Passengers on the windward side began to close the windows and one young fellow helped me as I fumbled with the Plexiglas, showing me how it operated. All he did was manually pull up the glass and worked the bottom outward so it rested on a slanted ledge that held it closed in place. Ingenious folks, these Samoans. As promised, the driver stopped twice near the top so I could take some quick photos as the rain let up a bit. When we reached the canning facilities, all the passengers but the two of us exited at the four entry gates to the canneries. I guess this was he night shift going to work. Next stop for us, the bus station (gave the driver a $10 for the ride and his kindness) and a short walk back to the ship and dinner. Tomorrow, Western Samoa, a new country and new adventure for us.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="traveler, post: 257895, member: 1954"] By the way, when we exited the first bus, I gave the driver another $2.00 since this was a cheap ride to start with. After lunch we were back on land for more. We walked about a half mile this time to the bus station itself. I had in mind to travel to the north side of the island over the mountains to Vatia. There were four aisles for passengers to wait for busses but I didn't see any markings on the aisles so I asked one of the drivers waiting for people to fill his bus about the one I wanted. He happily told us that that bus would be in the third aisle but none was there now. After waiting about ten minutes, a bus arrived and we boarded with the knowledge we would pay on exit this time. We drove around the long harbor to the other side where we [B][I]smelled and saw[/I][/B] the canneries for Starkist Tuna along with three other canneries. There were no entry signs on most unguarded doors but we found out later that a good hard knock on the door and a request for a tour would probably be honored. Another Volley Ball player did just that and was treated to a tour of the facility. He did say that the bad smell was all on the outside, the inside was quite clean. Back to the ride... We began to climb the mount letting off and picking up just a few passengers along the way. The CD was playing local tunes and some US oldies in native Samoan language! Most had groceries bought in town. After the bus labored up the hills we reached the top and were treated to a wonderful view of the beautiful north shore. I snapped a few pictures as we traveled down the mountains. When we reached the end of the line in Vatia what looked like a sandy beach from the mountain was actually a pebble covered beach like area. The bus driver was a bit confused when we didn't get off. He insisted that the ride was done but I explained we were just tourists and on for the round trip ride. I did observe that the cost of this ride was $1.00 per person. He notified us that it would be $2.00 each to complete the circle to Pago Pago and then asked if I would like him to stop at the top of the mountain for a few photos. I said yes and in a few moments, after loading up the bus with new passengers, we were on our way. As we started back up the mountain, the rains came with a vengeance. Passengers on the windward side began to close the windows and one young fellow helped me as I fumbled with the Plexiglas, showing me how it operated. All he did was manually pull up the glass and worked the bottom outward so it rested on a slanted ledge that held it closed in place. Ingenious folks, these Samoans. As promised, the driver stopped twice near the top so I could take some quick photos as the rain let up a bit. When we reached the canning facilities, all the passengers but the two of us exited at the four entry gates to the canneries. I guess this was he night shift going to work. Next stop for us, the bus station (gave the driver a $10 for the ride and his kindness) and a short walk back to the ship and dinner. Tomorrow, Western Samoa, a new country and new adventure for us. [/QUOTE]
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