Bora Bora is French Polynesia. Pago Pago is American Samoa. Looking from space you can barely see them. They are relatively small island territories with a few scattered countries around them. Our sea journey has taken us through New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and now American Samoa.

This is Sadie’s by the Sea resort hotel, Pago, Pago, American Samoa. It is located at the edge of the sea port. You can walk to here from the port or you can walk the other direction for shopping.

The lagoon is surrounded by a private beach. There is at least one ‘local’, a brown shell sea turtle.

I’m sure this turtle has been named, but I don’t know it.

There are a few dozen fish in this picture. Can you see them? Only the small blue one really stands out.

The water isn’t crystal clear in this spot but there is lots of coral and colorful fish that live in it.

If this isn’t good enough you can drive around the island. It’s big enough there is variety to see and do. There is an airport as well.

Rainbows are fairly common to see. They can seem be very close. A few times I was sure we were sailing through a rainbow. I could see colors all around me.

It’s not unusual to see uninhabited islands. The whole area has lots of islands. 

“Archipelago”

An island chain.

Sunsets are always in the West. We have been traveling East for days but we are still in the South Pacific ocean, 4,000 miles from the West coast of California.

I can’t tell if this guy is Japanese or not. I won’t ask but I’d like to know. Am I having an authentic experience or not?

Bora Bora, Moorea, and Papeete are up next. Ling Ling tells me she can’t go with me, the corporation says.

I’m remembering the feeling of Dravuni Island. I’m also getting the feeling of what it would be like if everyone were watching you, ready to turn you in to save themselves, ever consciense of the electronic eye of the corporation or government.

“It’s creepy.”

Nothing is going to go the way I imagined, not even close. I am starting to remember there was some other plan before all this happened. I’ll be back on the original plan.

“I’m not remembering what comes after Tahiti. Maybe you just ran out of plan?”

I recall that sunrise vividly. Overlooking the boats, at the island’s edge lies another hotel composed of charming over-the-water huts, the signature style for island accommodations. The absence of towering structures on this or the neighboring islands is a refreshing sight. Sipping my coffee on the observation deck, I reflected on my career spent uncovering and documenting the most sinister acts imaginable.

“I don’t believe it.”

The island’s tip is bathed in the glow of the sunset, offering a picturesque view from the huts that are perfectly positioned to catch both the sunrise and sunset. While sandy areas may lack fish, the lagoon is home to sharks and rays, providing the chance to spot these majestic creatures during your stay.

“More Ai text?

Might as well, the picture is stolen too. It might not even be real.

“I’m not sure any of this is real.”

It seems like water transportation is more useful than a car. The grocery store might not be on the same island.

Chin Lee Boutique?

Wait, which is it?

“Check out the mural. It’s like being there!”

We are here!

“If I were Australian I’d make it a back tattoo.”

That’s the real Chin Lee.

“Looks authentic.”

Shirley says this means “Money Come”.

“That’s so Chinese.”

This is France!

I cannot believe there are so many hot dog lovers.

“You’re not special.”

I’m invisible here.

Invisible. That’s it. Just another tourist. Aloha.

That might be the Governor’s mansion. It’s one of the finer looking places.

I’d stay here. It’s better than New Caledonia.

Between the island and the reef, the water color is more clear and a deeper shade of teal than The Bahamas.

These hotel rooms look like grass huts but they have all the conveniences you expect from a Hilton.

I wonder how many are locals. A jet ski and a kite or sail of some kind would be the appropriate toys to have. It could be transportation if you are island hopping for some reason.

“Shit. France. Again? I’m only in Papeete. Every time I think I’m gonna wake up back in the jungle.”

As the mist of the jungle envelops me, I sense a shift in the balance of power. While I grow weaker, Charlie squats in the bush and gets stronger. The lush foliage conceals his growing strength, a reminder of the untamed beauty and danger of the wild. In this remote corner of France, where nature reigns supreme, I must adapt or be consumed by the unforgiving wilderness that surrounds me.

“More of that Ai writing?”

In the voice of Martin Sheen.

There’s a strange feel to the air. The island hopping pace has really picked up. Things are happening.

“It’s like a French Waikiki or something. I’m expecting the Jules Maigret to start questioning the guests.”

Is that supposed to be a Dennis Miller voice impression?