FSM consists of four states namely Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. I was based in Pohnpei, its capital. I can say Pohnpei is the most civilized in terms of having a cinema, selection of supermarkets, cable tv, schools and not to mention the most # of Filipinos. Let me go through each state.
YAP
I experienced the richness of culture in Yap, the island nearest to Palau. Betel nut chewing and topless women are part of their everyday lives. Men here carry native mini-bags fashionably, you would think its some sort of a gay habit but in fact, this bag holds the betel nut & lime. Like the chief/teacher in the photo below.
Meeting houses are still in use for occasions such as community gathering or even class graduation.
& the traditional canoe for fishing.
I would have wanted to try diving here & see their famous manta rays if given enough non-business time. We normally stay at ESA hotel, where the view is spectacular overlooking the lake and the price is cheaper but as clean as other hotels there.
CHUUK
Chuuk convinced me to never walk on streets at night. It has the biggest population & most # of islands amongst the others. Unfortunately all the classic government corruption and tax-direct-to-official's pockets practice here are common. Leaving ugly & unsafe roads, drunk people and wasted resources. They said Chuuk has the nicest beach in all four states and best diving spots as well. Chuuk has around 50 shipwrecks scattered all over its islands. As again i was not able to do diving here for all my visits are purely work related.
We normally stay at Truk Stop, fairly acceptable hotel. The best one is Blue Lagoon but due to the road condition you wouldn't attempt to stay there if you are on a business trip as it is the farthest hotel on the island. We have also tried High tide hotel (hate the blackouts) and Kurasa (worst hotel!).
Q bar made me forget that im in Chuuk. It's the newest and safest bar on the island!
We were able to visit Xavier school which is on top of the hill, and run by Jesuits. Roads going here are impassable & you wouldn't even recognize it as a one. Elitist of FSM goes to this high school.
KOSRAE
I have not much to say about this island as this is the least populated amongst the four and nothing much to do as well. Kosrae Nautilus was a nice clean hotel but pricey too.
In one of our trips, we attempted to figure out the sleeping lady shaped on the mountains but all we saw are clouds & lots of rain. Its like Maria Makiling of Philippines. Its pretty strange that there is no road connecting one side of the island to the other and thus you need to take a boat.
Finally, Pohnpei.
Its such a small place that you would like and you can do almost any activity available on the island!
1. Falls
2. Hiking(at Sokehs Ridge)
3. Beach Beach Beach
4. Diving Class
5. Canoe Club
6. Badminton
7. Tennis
8. Filipino Parties!
Holidays in Pohnpei are spent not in malls or restaurants, but mostly in nature adventure!
6 Waterfalls. Into the jungle. long trek and hike..
6 Waterfalls. This is the first one.
6 Waterfalls. Second Falls.
6 Waterfalls. Third Falls.
6 Waterfalls. Fourth or fifth Falls? I lost count..
6 Waterfalls. Im perfectly sure this was en route to the 6th falls. It was so strenuous to swim or tread in fresh water! thanks to the rope which served as my lifeline!
6th waterfalls. It was worth it though! heart shaped falls! majestic!
Lehn Pai pohn. I really admire the architecture of the rocks in this waterfalls.
I enjoyed the cool & clean water of each of the falls ive been to not to mention the company of good friends.
Kepirohi Falls. Then came the Kepirohi falls. It was the nearest falls to Kolonia town. After this, I swore I will never ever swim into any falls in Pohnpei anymore!
Ewwws(as what te Cel said).. or EELS. Its because of these creatures! I never expected them to be this long & huge! Imagine under water & swimming with this anaconda like fish! well im exaggerating to call them anacondas, but really, gives me goosebumps everytime i see this photo!!
Moving on! Island hopping is one way to spend a weekend.
Black Coral Island. Where you can freely snorkel and see the beauty of the 'black' corals..
Nahlap Island.
Penou Island.
Nan Madol Ruins.
The 'round the island tours. This one with GBers Jom and Rho (not in photo).
Diving. Thanks to Pohnpei I got my PADI license.
Night Diving. Sigh, i remember how i quickly exhausted my tank on this night dive.
Given more time, i would like to climb Sokehs Rock, one of the landmarks of Pohnpei. They said its steep slopes and unsafe climb make it really dangerous & risky.
And so, we just hiked to Sokehs Cell Site. View of the runway here is superb! It would have been better to see a plane depart/arrive from this site.
GBERS. Gurls Bonders. Grupong Baliw (sa badminton?) I will treasure these girls forever in my heart.
Badminton Tournaments. I've joined at least 6-8 tournaments, and won 4 medals & 2 trophies. Made me feel like Im a pro!
AFLIP Xmas Party & surprise bridal shower. Thank you AFLIP ladies..
GBers 'Surprise' Bridal Shower. Hehehe, thanks gurls.
I enjoyed all the parties, mainly birthdays, especially the company of good friends & acquaintances. I will surely miss the weekly badminton day of my dear GBers!
oh and the outrigger canoe!!! Flying Proa Canoe Club.
Every weekdays after work. Good way to work out!
I have so much to blog about Pohnpei. In my 8 months of stay here, Ive surely learned how to leisurely spend my days without malls & civilization. Ive gained new friends and acquaintances, kept memories that forever will be cherished. and I can proudly say, I WAS ONCE AN ISLAND GIRL! :)
PS: Im still hoping to see Ant Atoll before i leave the island.. crossing my fingers now for a good weather this sunday!
