EdVallance's Guestbook

Peace Corps Volunteer Fais 1970-1972
I am completely amazed! I found this site on 3/18/13, had lost contact with my former beloved friends associates and students, and now find this dreamlike revelation. I have dvd copies of movies I took on Fais, and will be happy to send a copy if you/someone gives me a centralized address. with fond memories, Miklos

OMG!
that was crazy! you have amazing medical coverage. now im absolutely terrified of malaria. and i live in the Philippines where you got it from

@ one time through times, we were also followed the migrating antelope for food. Dine People from Arizona. USA

amazing!
your photos are wonderful, thank you!

Amazing
what a wonderful account of parts of the world we often forget about while sitting at our computer screens... your photos are wonderful

A delightful read
Thanks, Ed, for yet another insight into the world of the old USSR. Great prose as ever. Keep 'em coming! David

Ugh, can't believe you lost your memory card.
I'm sure that is a fear most of us have. Hopefully, that is the last one you'll ever lose. Your story is great as always. Love the description of what the old lady was wearing....thanks for taking us along with you. Your descriptions are marvelous.

Vivid word painting!
What a magical adventure you've painted! So sorry you lost your memory card, but these photos and your vivid descriptions were more than sufficient to let me experience wonderful, lost-in-time countryside havens. Your destinations are inspiring, and now I'm keen to read your past blogs!

looks young with lots of energy!!!!

Very thorough essay... I am glad you enjoyed your visit to our islands. I grew up on the main island of Yap, so I am admittedly biased in regards to Yapese culture. I would just like to point out that I don't think a laid-back life of fishing and no "real job" makes one lead an "empty lifestyle," like you suggested. Indeed, this type of life is closer to our traditions than one of having a job outside the home. Likewise, I don't think that our ancestors thought of aspects of our "strict" culture to be oppressive and divisive as you seem to think. While parts of our culture might seem this way to an outsider, we were raised to abide by these social norms, and so in general, we don't see it in the same way you do. We all tend to accept the customs and ways of life that we grew up with. I absolutely agree that alcoholism is a prevalent problem in Yap, and while I don't want to downplay the emotional stress alcoholism puts on relationships, I think that the "happiness" you referred to is perhaps a product of the fact that Yapese people still do not absolutely need money. If there are alcoholics in the family and they deplete the family income with their habit, the family can still have a place to live and food to eat. The land and sea still provide these necessities to its people. I think this alleviates some of the stress typical of alcoholic families. Anyway, interesting article!

A Treasured Experience
Ed, you did it again. You brought us to another corner of this world heretofore unknown to many of us. How they live in near isolation and love their life , despite a few outbursts against present politics, is such a valued insight on the people and culture. Safe travels to you. Enjoy reading your blogs as it allows me to view other cultures in an entirely "personal" way.

I love this women
I love these women because the are hardworking,i will be happy if i can marry them to my

Great narrative !
Late already but the minute I started to read this entry well I simply had to read it all! Fantastic experience you had there and love how simple & down to earth people seem to be :-) glad you shared this story!