Samoa Day 8 + 9: our final days!

Day 8 + 9 we truly met grandma and grandpa’s twin flames💌
When I first saw Aunty Pai it felt like I was seeing another version of Grandma. The version of her and grandpa if they were to stay on the Island.
Aunty Pai and Uncle Teach (he was a teacher at Samoana High School and faife’au) both share similar mannerisms and humor and our grandparents. It was like watching a live VCR tape of the past. Such a gift to see towards the end of our trip.
As children, Grandma moved to Upolu right after Aunty Pai was born. Aunty Pai stayed with their mom in Masausi, American Samoa. They grew up apart but shared their late childhood and teenage years together.
grandma married grandpa at 17/18 years old and moved to the home Grandpa built on the top of the mountain.
My mom said that Grandpa and Uncle Teach were like brothers. Both the igniter of laughs in any room and together the joy in the room was exponential. Grandpa was the only person who could say bad words in front of Uncle Teach when he was a faife’au (pastor). Grandpa could get away with anything. He had a degree in “I don’t care” as Uncle Teach says.
No filter. But loads of respect.
I didn’t know Grandma was an older sister. But her wisdom and protectiveness reflects an older sister. But Aunty Pai shares the same fire and ungated opinions Grandma has. I love seeing those two play off of each other.
Sharing the day with Grandma and Grandpas best friends emphasizes the sacrifice they made.
They didn’t just leave Samoa. They left a community. They left family. They sacrificed it all to give their kids a fighting opportunity at a better life.
I hope Grandma and Grandpa truly appreciate the success of their sacrifice. All 7 kids financial stable. Sustained homes for their families. Gave them opportunities beyond what we could be given on the Island.
Grandkids who went to college and earned degrees at accredited Universities. Everyone alive and healthy. But best if all we all stay close and understand what we have as a family is special.
Because Grandma and Grandpa created us to be that way.
Today we head back home to the States. But my understanding of our culture has become so much clearer.

[@masiitamua7027]

I like the video but I want to hear what they talking about too much backround.

[@random44937]

Nice place American Samoa... I worked and lived on a Purse Seine in Pago Pago in 2019. I stayed there for 3 months and the place is beautiful.

[@AllDaWayJay]

1:52 you guys went thru Faleolo whilst staying in Apia to return to Pago? Talofa Airways(what happened to Samoa Airways?) doesn’t even show this smaller airport as a destination on their website…so it’s probably safe to assume that this smaller airport(near Vailima I think) is gone? Asking for a…well me actually lol any help would be greatly appreciated
Edit: ya know it dawned on me that if most the vlogs I’ve been scouring of home all seem to go thru Faleolo, it’s probably safe to assume the airport I was alluding to is closed. Was looking to end my 20+ year streak away from home come Teuila 2024

[@marietaetimani3067]

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