I remember the muumuus.. I had (have still prolly somewhere) a couple.
thanks for all your neat input the past few days. I would like to learn more about your country. Are you still there?
Actually, my country is America. I was born here, but taken abroad only a few days after my birth. I lived in American Samoa for the first 5 years of life. I was surrounded by a huge network of relatives. I have since visited many times over the years and have probably visited the majority of the South Pacific. That's why living by the Atlantic Ocean depresses me. I don't find it particularly beautiful at all. It's a Pacific Ocean thing for me.
Hawaii is a beautiful place to visit, but too commercialized for me. They've lost their way in some in regards to the Polynesian way, but that was always to be expected. When I visit Hawaii, I steer clear of the tourist traps. However, I have an advantage because I have relatives there and could stay anywhere. Although, that's another drama for another day.
American Samoa and Samoa are exactly what Hawaii used to be like.
If you ever have a chance, visit the other Polynesian islands. Tahiti and Tonga have some very breathtaking scenery and the people are very friendly. New Zealand is also very beautiful and the Maoris people have tried to maintain their ties to their roots.
When it comes down to it, the Polynesian culture is a dying one. There aren't enough of us around. For those of us around, we have chosen to live elsewhere. Also, many Polynesians have chosen to marry outside the culture.
If you are truly fascinated by Polynesians, you'd probably find that the Native American culture is somewhat similar. It is believed among Polynesians and some Native Americans that we are related. They traveled by land and my ancestors traveled by sea. They are also the few people in this country (outside of fellow Polynesians and American travelers to the Islands) that can identify that I'm Samoan right away. This has always made me chuckle.
All in all, my heart will always be somewhere in the South Pacific. I have grown more restless to return there, but I know that I would be terribly homesick for America. And I couldn't take my children away from America. It isn't a safe time to be traveling anywhere as an American. Even places that I would consider friendly, I would rather stay home.
Thank you for asking. Sorry it was such a longwinded post.