Board your colorful open-air bus and begin a fantastic half-day island adventure. From Pago Pago, drive southwest past a series of small bays and traditional Samoan villages. Each village prominently features an elevated Fale. This oval shaped, open-sided thatched roof structure serves as the meeting house for the village council. Arrive at a traditional Samoan village and home. Enjoy local island music and watch a traditional cooking demonstration using the umu, or oven heated using river rocks warmed in a fire. Afterwards, join your hosts and sample the cooked dishes. Relax, and savor this unique opportunity to participate in traditional Samoan culture. On your return drive to the ship, stop for a photo at the First Missionary Monument. The Monument celebrates the work of John Williams of the London Missionary Society, and his efforts to bring Christianity to Samoa.