Note: Start singing "Margaritaville", "A Prirate Looks at Forty (Mother Ocean)", "Jamaica Mistaka" or any other Jimmy Buffett song while the rest of this page loads.
WHERE IS AMERICAN SAMOA?
Easy: 2500 miles south of Honolulu, Hawaii; 3100 miles east of Townsville, OZ; 5100 miles west of Lima, Peru; and 5400 miles north of the South Pole. Click here for more pictures of American Samoa.
Keep going for more about about family and friends, American Samoa Community College (where I teach), island life, O Le Siu Leo O Samoa ("Echo of Samoa" local writers' group), and the Tiki Lounge, where I chat under a variety of aliases. (That's me below on a very good day.)
.
THE KOLHOFF FAMILY IN AMERICAN SAMOA
American Samoa has been my home since 1987. I grew up in Findlay, Ohio (a typical midwestern town), spent 14 years as professor and administrator at a small private college in the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and finally made my way to this island. I teach Speech, English Composition and Drama at the American Samoa Community College. I direct one student play each semester, play flute and piccolo with the ASCC Band just for fun, and do some work with grant writing and administration.
Click here to jump to the ASCC MADpeople (Music-Art-Drama) page.I also enjoy writing short stories (and some of the island's worst poetry), acting, scuba diving and almost anything that involves being on, in, under or near the ocean.
Three years ago my daughter, Fisaga (Fee-Song-Ah) was born and I've settled happily into the role of extremely proud mama and busy single parent. "Fisaga" is an old Samoan word that means "the gentle breeze that brings good fortune." Sometimes my Gentle Breeze can be a hurricane, but she is the heart of my life and good fortune indeed.
Fisaga (two weeks old) and Mama (considerably older) at a party celebrating Fisaga's birth and adoption.
Fisaga is now almost four years old and growing up way too quickly.
FISAGA'S FAVORITE MAN -- and honorary Dad -- is John Enright. John is a poet, folklorist, American Samoa's Historic Preservation Officer and the devoted father of nine-year-old Liam.
John is also a founding member and President of O Le Siu Leo O Samoa, a group formed in 1987 to support and encourage local writers who are serious about writing and publishing. The group meets the second Saturday of each month (and just celebrated its 125th meeting). Even though the members take their writing seriously, there is a good chance that any gathering on this island will turn into a party once the sun goes down.
Click here to jump to the Si'uleo Home Page.
Sunset on our beach
Light the Tiki torches and bring out the guitars! (That's Tau Hunkin on guitar, with John and Fisaga.)
Links to other sites on the Web
American Samoa Historic Preservation Office -- serious information about Samoa
O Le Si u Leo o Samoa -- "Echo of Samoa" writers group -- stories, poetry and more about island life
The Drudge Report with links to The Washington Post, Time, real news and stuff that usually doesn't make it to islands for a month by mail
The Hurricane Tracker (big wind/big rain -- not Florida football) got to keep a weather eye out this time of year
NEW!! FISAGA'S FIRST HOME PAGE -- A Photo Album of Family in the States and here in Samoa
Home of the American Samoa Community College Department of the Arts
Vaoto Lodge, Ofu
THANKS AGAIN FOR VISITING!!! COME BACK AGAIN WHEN THERE'S MORE TO SEE. (CHECK OUT THE LINK TO FISAGA'S HOME PAGE FOR LOTS MORE PICS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND THE LINK TO SI'ULEO FOR NEW STORIES AND POEMS ABOUT SAMOA.)
Photo Credits (in order from the top): Sharon Augello, Diane Snyder, Ioane Studio, Joan Walter, Tina o Fisaga, Tina o Fisaga, Tina o Fisaga, Carol Avis, Linda Chan, Sharon Augello, Carol Avis, Tina o Fisaga, Tina o Fisaga
And some closing pics of our favorite getaway beach on the nearby island of Ofu
We'd love to hear from you. Click on the address below to send us email. TOFA SOIFUA!
© 1997 kkolhoff@samoatelco.com
Get your own Free Home Page