Palau - A legendary escape

Oceania » Palau
February 20th 2012

Published: March 13th 2012

It’s spring 2010. Expo Shanghai is crowded and hot. Kirsten and I venture into the South Pacific pavilion to escape the crowds and get a taste of island life. Numerous little grass huts are scattered in an air conditioned arena. Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu, Guam,....and Palau?? Hmmm, what is this place, Palau? Pictures of swimming with jellyfish and beautiful azure waters tweak my curiosity. Flash... Read Full Entry

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Schroeder family

Shanghai Sheri

In 2006, our family began what we thought was a 3 year adventure of living and traveling in China. But like Gilligan, our 3 year tour turned into something much longer and deeper than we expected. This was just the beginning of our cultural travels and blogs. 3 years turned into 6 years and included a time of residence in South Korea as well. The kids have all transitioned into and out of college leaving us as empty nesters, but not empty of ambitions to continue to explore the world. Come along with us as we seek to expand our understanding of this marvelous world in which we live! ... full info

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Tracks in time

These rr tracks are one of many remnants from the 1930's when the Japanese ruled the island.

Waterfall

Note: Matt is on the right side, bottom of the photo. It was sooooo refreshing to stand in the waterfall and climb around behind it, smelling the wonderful fresh water and rich oxygenated air.

Road view on Babeldaob

Typical Palau home

Most homes are on stilts - presumably both for termite and flood protection.

View from the road

Hard to keep your eyes on the road when these magnificent views keep appearing on the left and right as you curve along the island.

Hibiscus lined roads

Typical roads on the island of Babeldaob.

Palau capitol building

A beautiful building with separate wings for the executive, judicial, and legislative branches of the government.

Sam's Dive shop

A popular spot amongst locals and divers. Located on the water, dive, snorkel, and kayak trips commenced from here.

Milky Way

This popular spot for tourists is called "The Milky Way". The mud smeared all over my body is thought to make your skin more beautiful. I'll try anything.......

Swimming with the jellyfish

I nabbed this photo off the internet because it accurately captures the experience.

Natural cave

We kayaked inside of this cave and used it's edges for a little "cliff jumping".

Whooooooa!

A bit scary for me, but Matt jumps in without abandon.

Jayden

Our kayak guide, Jayden, taught us about Palau culture and showed us some beautiful caves and snorkeling spots.

Our kayak crew and boat

Jefferson, the boat captain, made me laugh when he proudly rubbed his belly and told me that Palauans don't really care about exercise too much. He was calm and quick to laugh.

Rock Islands

The islands of Palau were formed from coral reefs pushed up during a collision of the earths tectonic plates. The limestone was then eroded over time from rain water running off the top and waves crashing underneath, resulting in these muffin top shaped islands.

Medussa's legendary hair and skirt - the banded sea snake

They are like a "demi-god" in Palau because they can save your life. After floods when food is scarce, they can be cut open to retrieve whole fish. 10X more poisonous than a king cobra, but not aggressive - thank goodness!

Cave kayaking

Palauan male dancers

The little boy who is pointing a spear at me on the right gave me his grass rope necklace, which I am wearing in the photo. These boys stomped and danced a traditional dance in our lobby.

Palauan female dancers

PPR beach at sunset

PPR pool

Matt read an entire novel by this pool.

20th March 2012

Laura Smith
non-member comment

Sheri's photo
Okay, I have to vote for Sheri's maiden photo compared to Matt's jump off the cliff shot...teehee! Sheri you look great!!! Miss you guys!

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Palau - A legendary escape

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