Sam likes to pretend he came from the far east on a ferry boat - across the rushing waves full of danger and always at the risk of falling overboard (not knowing how to swim).

Really he comes from Fort Lauderdale, which is the farthest 'east' he's ever been.

On his trip over to Naples, he met an alligator promising to teach the ways of the samurai - and he couldn't resist. So he spent two years in the swamp, learning and training.

Sam is full of wisdom and often speaks in haiku.