One of the things I'm learning to deal with while Burr is away (I know, it's only been two days... go with me on this!), is a plethora of free time. This free time is an excellent opportunity for me to take on projects that, until now, have existed only in my head!
Today, I planted flowers! We don't really have a yard, just a wide open, concrete roof with a view of the city and the ocean. So, no grass, no deck, no dirt. I purchased some colorful flowerpots of various sizes from the Exchange and then I shopped for my flowers out in town.
From anyone who remembers my dresser adventure at Jusco, the Flower Buying at "Monkey Man" was just as challenging. Basically, I have no idea what I bought. Some red, some white, some violet, and some yellow... but no clue what type of flowers they are or even if they will grow! The soil I purchased had pictures of flowers and vegetables on it, so I guess it will work?!? We'll see...
I did have better luck on the herb front. Since I know what the herbs I like look and smell like I was able to use my reasoning skills to find rosemary, thyme, flat leaf parsley, and basil. I was very disappointed not to find cilantro or chives, but I'll stay on the lookout. Apparently cilantro is quite a commodity around here; it's rarely even available at the Commissary, and I've never seen it out in town.
If my little flower pot garden actually begins to grow and look the way it does in my head, I'll post pictures. If it doesn't grow, I'll post pictures of my dismal failure and take suggestions for next time!
Grow little garden, please grow!!
Rachel
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
For Kristy
Watermelon Margaritas!
These were a hit at our Derby/Cinqo de Mayo party last year. Here is the recipe.
4 C seeded, chopped watermelon; freeze for at least four hours
1/2 C tequila (or more to taste : ))
1/4 C sugar
1 Tbsp lime zest
1/4 C lime juice (about four limes)
2 Tbsp fresh mint
Process in blender until slushy/smooth.
SOOOOO yummy!!
I have yet to see a watermelon out here, although I did see a watermelon plant at the Monkey Man store today. Anyone know how big the pot would need to be to grow a watermelon?
Enjoy this summer libation!
rmf
These were a hit at our Derby/Cinqo de Mayo party last year. Here is the recipe.
4 C seeded, chopped watermelon; freeze for at least four hours
1/2 C tequila (or more to taste : ))
1/4 C sugar
1 Tbsp lime zest
1/4 C lime juice (about four limes)
2 Tbsp fresh mint
Process in blender until slushy/smooth.
SOOOOO yummy!!
I have yet to see a watermelon out here, although I did see a watermelon plant at the Monkey Man store today. Anyone know how big the pot would need to be to grow a watermelon?
Enjoy this summer libation!
rmf
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Out the Door
My motivation for the workout is back. I just placed an order on Speedo for a new swim cap and swimsuits for the "swimming portion" of my new workout plan. I don't have much time left for a run, but I'm out the door to go do stairs at the ampitheatre about a half mile away.
later!
rmf
later!
rmf
Stupid Rules... Really
This weekend Burr and I were so excited when the Commissary Gate re-opened. This is the gate to base that is within walking distance of our house and it has been under construction since we've been here. We have been waiting with bated breath for WEEKS waiting for it to be available to us and now it FINALLY is!
This morning, Burr left to get on the boat. I have decided that for the duration of his deployment, I will be at Fat Camp. My workouts will be kicked up a notch. I bought a book on running, another on swimming with workouts, a recent issue of Runner's World, and a balance ball. I'm also going to buy some 5 and 10 pound free weights. SO, after Burr left, I tried to take Gabe for a run on base. My plan was to run in through the Commissary Gate and run up to the video store to return a DVD. Two birds with one stone, you know? NO SUCH LUCK. Upon crossing the threshold of the gate I was informed by the Japanese security guard that this gate was accessible only to vehicles and in-accessible to pedestrians. If I wanted to run onto base, I would have to use another gate. STUPID RULES.
I was able to walk to the gate. I was on the sidewalk the entire time. After showing my ID to the guards I would have passed through the gate and gotten back on the sidewalk. It seemed pretty accessible to me!
So now, I am bitter. My workout plans have been thwarted and I've lost my motivation to get in a morning run. I have an hour and a half left before my first student arrives and if I'm going to run, it needs to be now. Let's see if I can drag myself away from my pity party and back outside. grrr.
stupid rules.
rmf
This morning, Burr left to get on the boat. I have decided that for the duration of his deployment, I will be at Fat Camp. My workouts will be kicked up a notch. I bought a book on running, another on swimming with workouts, a recent issue of Runner's World, and a balance ball. I'm also going to buy some 5 and 10 pound free weights. SO, after Burr left, I tried to take Gabe for a run on base. My plan was to run in through the Commissary Gate and run up to the video store to return a DVD. Two birds with one stone, you know? NO SUCH LUCK. Upon crossing the threshold of the gate I was informed by the Japanese security guard that this gate was accessible only to vehicles and in-accessible to pedestrians. If I wanted to run onto base, I would have to use another gate. STUPID RULES.
I was able to walk to the gate. I was on the sidewalk the entire time. After showing my ID to the guards I would have passed through the gate and gotten back on the sidewalk. It seemed pretty accessible to me!
So now, I am bitter. My workout plans have been thwarted and I've lost my motivation to get in a morning run. I have an hour and a half left before my first student arrives and if I'm going to run, it needs to be now. Let's see if I can drag myself away from my pity party and back outside. grrr.
stupid rules.
rmf
Monday, April 21, 2008
A Really Great Weekend
Burr and I shared one of the best weekends we've had on the island this past week. Friday night we joined a group from "Joseph" at a cafe on the beach to listen to one of the cast members sing and play guitar. The music was good, the food quite tasty, and the company great fun.
Saturday morning marked my third baby shower this month. Burr was nice enough to take me so that I wouldn't get lost and afterwards we made plans to go to a Reggae Festival with some friends. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we spent it at an ampitheatre listening to the Japanese version of Reggae. Their Reggae is quite different than that to which we are accustomed. Instead of featuring steel drums and live instruments the preference is for recorded music with random sound effects added in by a DJ. I don't think we'll go next year, but it was a great experience. We were the only Americans around and had as much fun people watching as listening to the music. Here is a picture of the stage - it's the only one we got because our camera was confiscated! If we could read Japanese we probably would have known not to take pictures, but alas, we are illiterate!
Saturday night we continued the fun with a MAG event on Kadena Airbase. We had drinks and appetizers with friends while listening to speeches from all of the Commanding Officer's in the Marine Air Group. When they were done and we headed out for dinner, the fun really began!
About ten of us caravaned back to our side of town and tried out an Italian restaurant near our house. It was GOOD. The food was yummy and fairly priced and the wine flowed like water. From there it was on to KARAOKE!!
Japanese karaoke is different than the US version. In Japan you get your own room for you and your friends with a karaoke machine, songbook, and two microphones. There is a phone for you to call in food and drink orders through the night and off you go! No waiting your turn to sing one song and no standing in line at the bar forever... you just pass that mike around and have a blast! I could seriously do it every weekend. It was SO MUCH FUN!! We stayed out WAY too late, but it was worth it.
Sunday saw a walk on the seawall with Gabe followed by a bath for the dirty puppy dog. We grilled out for lunch and finished off the afternoon with errands. Burr watched "Juno" while I puttered around in the early evening, and then we crashed for an early bedtime.
It was a great weekend. Hope yours was too!
rachel
Saturday morning marked my third baby shower this month. Burr was nice enough to take me so that I wouldn't get lost and afterwards we made plans to go to a Reggae Festival with some friends. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we spent it at an ampitheatre listening to the Japanese version of Reggae. Their Reggae is quite different than that to which we are accustomed. Instead of featuring steel drums and live instruments the preference is for recorded music with random sound effects added in by a DJ. I don't think we'll go next year, but it was a great experience. We were the only Americans around and had as much fun people watching as listening to the music. Here is a picture of the stage - it's the only one we got because our camera was confiscated! If we could read Japanese we probably would have known not to take pictures, but alas, we are illiterate!
Saturday night we continued the fun with a MAG event on Kadena Airbase. We had drinks and appetizers with friends while listening to speeches from all of the Commanding Officer's in the Marine Air Group. When they were done and we headed out for dinner, the fun really began!
About ten of us caravaned back to our side of town and tried out an Italian restaurant near our house. It was GOOD. The food was yummy and fairly priced and the wine flowed like water. From there it was on to KARAOKE!!
Japanese karaoke is different than the US version. In Japan you get your own room for you and your friends with a karaoke machine, songbook, and two microphones. There is a phone for you to call in food and drink orders through the night and off you go! No waiting your turn to sing one song and no standing in line at the bar forever... you just pass that mike around and have a blast! I could seriously do it every weekend. It was SO MUCH FUN!! We stayed out WAY too late, but it was worth it.
Sunday saw a walk on the seawall with Gabe followed by a bath for the dirty puppy dog. We grilled out for lunch and finished off the afternoon with errands. Burr watched "Juno" while I puttered around in the early evening, and then we crashed for an early bedtime.
It was a great weekend. Hope yours was too!
rachel
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Cornbread Salad
Here is the recipe for the cornbread salad I made for the Beach Bash last weekend.
It yields a huge amount even without tripling it like I did! Prepare to feed at least twelve people off of this.
6 oz. pkg Mexican Cornbread
1 oz. pkg Ranch dressing mix
8 oz. sour cream
1 C mayonaise
16 oz. can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
16 oz. can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
2 15 1/4 oz. cans corn, rinsed and drained
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
3 huge tomatoes, chopped
10 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
6 green onions, sliced
2 C shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare cornbread according to package instructions. Cool.
Combine dressing mix, sour cream and mayo. Set aside.
Crumble half the cornbread in a large bowl. Top with half of the beans, sour cream mix, bell pepper, corn, tomatoes, bacon, cheese and onions. Repeat the layers. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
I got this great recipe from my mom, who got it from her friend Beth, who got it from her daughter in law Becky. (Just so you know who gets the credit!)
Hope that you enjoy this great summer salad as much as we do!
rmf
It yields a huge amount even without tripling it like I did! Prepare to feed at least twelve people off of this.
6 oz. pkg Mexican Cornbread
1 oz. pkg Ranch dressing mix
8 oz. sour cream
1 C mayonaise
16 oz. can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
16 oz. can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
2 15 1/4 oz. cans corn, rinsed and drained
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
3 huge tomatoes, chopped
10 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
6 green onions, sliced
2 C shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare cornbread according to package instructions. Cool.
Combine dressing mix, sour cream and mayo. Set aside.
Crumble half the cornbread in a large bowl. Top with half of the beans, sour cream mix, bell pepper, corn, tomatoes, bacon, cheese and onions. Repeat the layers. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
I got this great recipe from my mom, who got it from her friend Beth, who got it from her daughter in law Becky. (Just so you know who gets the credit!)
Hope that you enjoy this great summer salad as much as we do!
rmf
Too Much Food
I know, not really the post title you would expect from me, but here it is!
Last weekend Burr was in charge of his squadron's Beach Bash and I offered to help out with the food. 14 dozen cookies and 4 cornbread salads later, I don't care if I never see either one again!
The good news is, there were no leftovers!
rmf
Last weekend Burr was in charge of his squadron's Beach Bash and I offered to help out with the food. 14 dozen cookies and 4 cornbread salads later, I don't care if I never see either one again!
The good news is, there were no leftovers!
rmf
Monday, April 14, 2008
Shameless Plug
I have absolutely no shame. None at all. That is why I'm writing this post... A post to tell all you reading out there (Mom? Kristi? Anyone else?) about Rockin' Babies and Whole Note Music Therapy!! As you (might) know, the voice and guitar studios have been steadily building over the last two months. I teach lessons three afternoons a week and I've had a Rockin' Babies group going on Kadena since mid-March.
Rockin' Babies is a six-week session of "mommy and me type" music time. We work on language development, communication skills, social interaction, and basic musical concepts. (Fast, slow, loud, soft... you get the idea!) Well, at the end of the month my current session will wind down. I am now seeking to do TWO sessions of Rockin' Babies at my house during the week. They will both be on Tuesdays and the first will be for babies 3-6 months old, the second will be for babies 7-12 months old. I hope to have 6 babies/caregivers in each group. So I'm aiming for TWELVE participants in all!
SO, if you are reading this and you are in Okinwawa and want to join in the fun, contact me! If you are reading this and you are in Okinawa and don't have a baby... tell a friend who does! If you are reading this from somewhere else and know someone with a baby in Okinawa, TELL THEM!! At the very least, keep checking in on the Whole Note website, www.wholenotemusictherapy.com, to keep it's traffic up and make it come up higher in Google searches!
Ok, my shameless plug is over.
Rock on.
rmf
Rockin' Babies is a six-week session of "mommy and me type" music time. We work on language development, communication skills, social interaction, and basic musical concepts. (Fast, slow, loud, soft... you get the idea!) Well, at the end of the month my current session will wind down. I am now seeking to do TWO sessions of Rockin' Babies at my house during the week. They will both be on Tuesdays and the first will be for babies 3-6 months old, the second will be for babies 7-12 months old. I hope to have 6 babies/caregivers in each group. So I'm aiming for TWELVE participants in all!
SO, if you are reading this and you are in Okinwawa and want to join in the fun, contact me! If you are reading this and you are in Okinawa and don't have a baby... tell a friend who does! If you are reading this from somewhere else and know someone with a baby in Okinawa, TELL THEM!! At the very least, keep checking in on the Whole Note website, www.wholenotemusictherapy.com, to keep it's traffic up and make it come up higher in Google searches!
Ok, my shameless plug is over.
Rock on.
rmf
Sorry Burr!
With the exception of Burr, they are all far more educated on this subject than I... any inaccuracies or misinformation are my own. That said, I think I got it all right!
Ok, it was brought to my attention by my sweet husband that this sounded like a slam against him and his knowledge of Peleliu. I PROMISE that's not what I meant! All I meant was that he and I knew about the same amount of information about The Battle and that the other people probably knew a lot more about it than we did!
SO, sorry Burr if it came across wrong!
Love,
Rachel
Ok, it was brought to my attention by my sweet husband that this sounded like a slam against him and his knowledge of Peleliu. I PROMISE that's not what I meant! All I meant was that he and I knew about the same amount of information about The Battle and that the other people probably knew a lot more about it than we did!
SO, sorry Burr if it came across wrong!
Love,
Rachel
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Pondering Peleliu
Hi Again! Sorry I have been so remiss in getting back on to tell you all about last Sunday's tour of Peleliu. But I'm here now, so here it goes!
Disclaimer: The information I'm about to share about the Battle of Peleliu is what I've gathered from a number of sources including, but not limited to: Wikipedia, Burr, the Marine Corps University professor, and our Peleliu tour guide, Des. With the exception of Burr, they are all far more educated on this subject than I... any inaccuracies or misinformation are my own. That said, I think I got it all right!
The Battle of Peleliu is one that has been largely forgotten in the re-telling of the Pacific theatre of WWII. It was fought for an airstrip in a country that had been occupied by the Japanese since the end of WWI. The Japanese were given control of Palau by the Germans when they signed the Treaty of Versailles. Unlike China, the Phillippines, and other countries occupied by the Japanese prior to WWII, the people of Palau and Peleliu were not treated badly by the Japanese. The Japanese actually improved their infrastructure and built schools for their children. Yet in the Fall of 1944 US Forces landed on Peleliu to liberate the people from the Japanese and to secure the airfield.
Why was this airfield so important, you ask? It was the only working airfield in that part of the Pacific. Securing it would cut the Japanese off from their supply lines and it would be a stepping stone for US Forces in the move to liberate the Phillippines. Intelligence work was done prior to the landing, photographs were taken, and the Americans prepared for the projected three day battle.
But the Japanese were changing their tactics. Instead of using Kamakaze bombers and fighting the enemy in the open they opted for a more sophistacated strategy. They dug hundreds of miles of tunnels and caves in the limestone rock of Peleliu and hid snipers in ridges and behind rocks. They could see everything that the American forces did, but the Americans could not see them.
The Battle of Peleliu did not last the projected three days. Instead, it was nearly four months before the island was secure. In the end, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with the 1st Marines losing over a third of their men and the Japanese having only 250 survivors out of an intial force of over 1500.
Why has Peleliu been forgotten? For one, it didn't recieve the media coverage of other Pacific Battles. It was only supposed to take three days for the island to be secured, so no reporters were sent to cover the fighting. Probably most importantly, Peleliu ended up having very little strategic value for the US Forces. The airfield was not important in the taking back the Phillippines and wasn't really used much during the rest of the war.
Today, the island is a lush green paradise. It is hard to imagine what it must have looked like after the US Forces napalmed the foliage and it was just rock and tree stumps. The population of Peleliu is about 1000 people and the northern tip of the 14 mile long island is where the bulk of the population resides. They have an infrastructure that is quite serviceable, but is best up north. There is a school that teaches kindergarten through 8th grade. After that, the children go to the big island of Koror to attend highschool; there they live in dorms or with family.
Peleliu is a well preserved reminder of the fighting in WWII. There are unexploded mortars and old boots littering the cave floors. There is a museum filled with personal accounts from the people who fought there and have since made pilgrimages back. Also in the museum are canteens, helmets, and other paraphanalia found in the jungles by the island's own historians. We saw an old gun still in it's original place, and American tanks, Japanese Zeros, and a mass burial site for the fallen Japanese. In all, the island struck a chord in me. The brutal WWII history matched with the beautiful surroundings and vibrant tourist industry of today... I will be pondering Peleliu for a while yet.
Memorial to the 81st Army Infantry which reinforced the 1st Marines
The Airfield
Dug in machine gun
American Tank
Memorial to the 1st Marines
rmf
Disclaimer: The information I'm about to share about the Battle of Peleliu is what I've gathered from a number of sources including, but not limited to: Wikipedia, Burr, the Marine Corps University professor, and our Peleliu tour guide, Des. With the exception of Burr, they are all far more educated on this subject than I... any inaccuracies or misinformation are my own. That said, I think I got it all right!
The Battle of Peleliu is one that has been largely forgotten in the re-telling of the Pacific theatre of WWII. It was fought for an airstrip in a country that had been occupied by the Japanese since the end of WWI. The Japanese were given control of Palau by the Germans when they signed the Treaty of Versailles. Unlike China, the Phillippines, and other countries occupied by the Japanese prior to WWII, the people of Palau and Peleliu were not treated badly by the Japanese. The Japanese actually improved their infrastructure and built schools for their children. Yet in the Fall of 1944 US Forces landed on Peleliu to liberate the people from the Japanese and to secure the airfield.
Why was this airfield so important, you ask? It was the only working airfield in that part of the Pacific. Securing it would cut the Japanese off from their supply lines and it would be a stepping stone for US Forces in the move to liberate the Phillippines. Intelligence work was done prior to the landing, photographs were taken, and the Americans prepared for the projected three day battle.
But the Japanese were changing their tactics. Instead of using Kamakaze bombers and fighting the enemy in the open they opted for a more sophistacated strategy. They dug hundreds of miles of tunnels and caves in the limestone rock of Peleliu and hid snipers in ridges and behind rocks. They could see everything that the American forces did, but the Americans could not see them.
The Battle of Peleliu did not last the projected three days. Instead, it was nearly four months before the island was secure. In the end, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with the 1st Marines losing over a third of their men and the Japanese having only 250 survivors out of an intial force of over 1500.
Why has Peleliu been forgotten? For one, it didn't recieve the media coverage of other Pacific Battles. It was only supposed to take three days for the island to be secured, so no reporters were sent to cover the fighting. Probably most importantly, Peleliu ended up having very little strategic value for the US Forces. The airfield was not important in the taking back the Phillippines and wasn't really used much during the rest of the war.
Today, the island is a lush green paradise. It is hard to imagine what it must have looked like after the US Forces napalmed the foliage and it was just rock and tree stumps. The population of Peleliu is about 1000 people and the northern tip of the 14 mile long island is where the bulk of the population resides. They have an infrastructure that is quite serviceable, but is best up north. There is a school that teaches kindergarten through 8th grade. After that, the children go to the big island of Koror to attend highschool; there they live in dorms or with family.
Peleliu is a well preserved reminder of the fighting in WWII. There are unexploded mortars and old boots littering the cave floors. There is a museum filled with personal accounts from the people who fought there and have since made pilgrimages back. Also in the museum are canteens, helmets, and other paraphanalia found in the jungles by the island's own historians. We saw an old gun still in it's original place, and American tanks, Japanese Zeros, and a mass burial site for the fallen Japanese. In all, the island struck a chord in me. The brutal WWII history matched with the beautiful surroundings and vibrant tourist industry of today... I will be pondering Peleliu for a while yet.
Memorial to the 81st Army Infantry which reinforced the 1st Marines
The Airfield
Dug in machine gun
American Tank
Memorial to the 1st Marines
rmf
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Friday and Saturday in Palau
OK, here's what you've been waiting for (with bated breath, I'm sure...). The pictures from Palau. As always, you can see more pictures in the link to the left.
We traveled to Palau on a C-130. This was my first time on a military plane of any sort, and Burr's first time on a C-130 as well. It was piloted by a Navy crew and I have to say, while it was a cool novelty, I wouldn't rank it among my favorite ways to fly. Mainly, it was very loud and slow. But, let's keep in mind, it was a free flight, so how can you go wrong?
The flight arrived at night, so we weren't able to tell much about our surroundings Friday evening. Our suprise at the beauty surrounding us was great when we stepped onto our balcony Saturday morning. The water and the landscape was among some of the most beautiful that I have seen anywhere on earth. Ever.
We stayed at the Landmark Marina, Palau. It was a great place, right on the water with it's own dock, boats, and restaurant. On Saturday we signed up for an all-day tour of the "must see" spots of Palau. The tour was given by the hotel and we got on the boats there at the dock around 9 Saturday morning and returned around 4 that afternoon. We had five stops on our tour and each spot we got to get out of the boat to snorkel. It was a great initiation for our new snorkel gear! (Oh, we also learned the hard way that when snorkeling, it's important to reapply sunscreen to the back everytime you get out of the water.)
Our five snorkel stops were: "Shipwreck" (a sunken fishing boat), "Cemetery Reef," "Jellyfish Lake" (it is exactly what it sounds like), "Giant Clam Reef" (I don't think that's the technical term...), "Shark Spot" (we swam with 3-4 foot long black tip sharks), and "Big Drop Reef" (I felt like I had been put in "Finding Nemo!")
Saturday night we were beat! We dined in the hotel's restaurant and called it an early night. Well, first we had to get a ride into town to buy aloe gel to cool our backs, but THEN we called it a night!
rmf
We traveled to Palau on a C-130. This was my first time on a military plane of any sort, and Burr's first time on a C-130 as well. It was piloted by a Navy crew and I have to say, while it was a cool novelty, I wouldn't rank it among my favorite ways to fly. Mainly, it was very loud and slow. But, let's keep in mind, it was a free flight, so how can you go wrong?
The flight arrived at night, so we weren't able to tell much about our surroundings Friday evening. Our suprise at the beauty surrounding us was great when we stepped onto our balcony Saturday morning. The water and the landscape was among some of the most beautiful that I have seen anywhere on earth. Ever.
We stayed at the Landmark Marina, Palau. It was a great place, right on the water with it's own dock, boats, and restaurant. On Saturday we signed up for an all-day tour of the "must see" spots of Palau. The tour was given by the hotel and we got on the boats there at the dock around 9 Saturday morning and returned around 4 that afternoon. We had five stops on our tour and each spot we got to get out of the boat to snorkel. It was a great initiation for our new snorkel gear! (Oh, we also learned the hard way that when snorkeling, it's important to reapply sunscreen to the back everytime you get out of the water.)
Our five snorkel stops were: "Shipwreck" (a sunken fishing boat), "Cemetery Reef," "Jellyfish Lake" (it is exactly what it sounds like), "Giant Clam Reef" (I don't think that's the technical term...), "Shark Spot" (we swam with 3-4 foot long black tip sharks), and "Big Drop Reef" (I felt like I had been put in "Finding Nemo!")
Saturday night we were beat! We dined in the hotel's restaurant and called it an early night. Well, first we had to get a ride into town to buy aloe gel to cool our backs, but THEN we called it a night!
rmf
Monday, April 7, 2008
GO TO PALAU!!
Seriously... if you ever have an opportunity to travel to Palau, jump on it and don't look back!
We made it back this evening from our long weekend in Palau, and it was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had or that Burr and I have ever shared. I am looking forward to taking this week to share our entire trip with you from beginning to end. But for now, I am headed to bed. Even as I write this I have to re-write because my fatigue is making my spelling so bad!
So... stay tuned for more. And call your travel agent to book your trip to the Republic of Palau.
rmf
We made it back this evening from our long weekend in Palau, and it was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had or that Burr and I have ever shared. I am looking forward to taking this week to share our entire trip with you from beginning to end. But for now, I am headed to bed. Even as I write this I have to re-write because my fatigue is making my spelling so bad!
So... stay tuned for more. And call your travel agent to book your trip to the Republic of Palau.
rmf
Thursday, April 3, 2008
All About Palau
That's right, Palau. As in, the place where Burr and I are going this weekend. To snorkel. To take a WWII Battle Site tour. To lay in the sun. To (probably) get sunburned. To read a book. To Survive...
Ok, that last one is just in reference to the TV show "Survivor." Palau was the setting for Season 10 back in 2005. Any of you who actually watch the show have a big head start on me as to what to expect this weekend! I had never heard of the Republic of Palau until Burr mentioned us going a few weeks ago.
Here is what I've learned from Wikipedia:
Palau (pronounced /pəˈlaʊ/), officially the Republic of Palau (Palauan: Beluu er a Belau), is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles (800 km) east of the Philippines and 2000 miles (3200 km) south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest nations. In 1989 Palau was ranked and listed by CEDAM International as the ranking Number 1 Underwater Wonder of the World out of the seven underwater wonders. It is sometimes referred to in English under its native name Belau.
We will arrive in Palau on Friday afternoon and have all day Saturday to play and explore on our own. Sunday we will take an all day tour of the WWII battle sites at Peleliu. Here is what Wikipedia has told me about that!
Peleliu was the scene of intense fighting between American and Japanese forces beginning September 1944 resulting in an Allied victory --though the cost in human terms was high for both sides. After WWII, the United Nations played a role in deciding the U.S. would administer Palau as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Eventually, in 1979, Palauans voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia based on language and cultural differences. After a long period of transition, including the violent deaths of two presidents (Haruo Remeliik in 1985 and Lazarus Salii in 1988), Palau voted to freely associate with the United States in 1994 while opting to retain independence under the Compact of Free Association.
There are still roughly 100 American service members listed as Missing In Action (MIA) in Palau since WWII. Since 1993, a small group of American volunteers called The BentProp Project have searched the waters and jungles of Palau to attempt to locate information that can lead to the identification and recovery of remains of these American MIAs.
I can't wait to get there and check it all out! This is kind of like a Spring Break trip for us and we are definitely ready for it! March was just WAY TOO STRESSFUL!!!
Talk to you soon!
Rachel
Ok, that last one is just in reference to the TV show "Survivor." Palau was the setting for Season 10 back in 2005. Any of you who actually watch the show have a big head start on me as to what to expect this weekend! I had never heard of the Republic of Palau until Burr mentioned us going a few weeks ago.
Here is what I've learned from Wikipedia:
Palau (pronounced /pəˈlaʊ/), officially the Republic of Palau (Palauan: Beluu er a Belau), is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean, some 500 miles (800 km) east of the Philippines and 2000 miles (3200 km) south of Tokyo. Having emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States) in 1994, it is one of the world's youngest and smallest nations. In 1989 Palau was ranked and listed by CEDAM International as the ranking Number 1 Underwater Wonder of the World out of the seven underwater wonders. It is sometimes referred to in English under its native name Belau.
We will arrive in Palau on Friday afternoon and have all day Saturday to play and explore on our own. Sunday we will take an all day tour of the WWII battle sites at Peleliu. Here is what Wikipedia has told me about that!
Peleliu was the scene of intense fighting between American and Japanese forces beginning September 1944 resulting in an Allied victory --though the cost in human terms was high for both sides. After WWII, the United Nations played a role in deciding the U.S. would administer Palau as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Eventually, in 1979, Palauans voted against joining the Federated States of Micronesia based on language and cultural differences. After a long period of transition, including the violent deaths of two presidents (Haruo Remeliik in 1985 and Lazarus Salii in 1988), Palau voted to freely associate with the United States in 1994 while opting to retain independence under the Compact of Free Association.
There are still roughly 100 American service members listed as Missing In Action (MIA) in Palau since WWII. Since 1993, a small group of American volunteers called The BentProp Project have searched the waters and jungles of Palau to attempt to locate information that can lead to the identification and recovery of remains of these American MIAs.
I can't wait to get there and check it all out! This is kind of like a Spring Break trip for us and we are definitely ready for it! March was just WAY TOO STRESSFUL!!!
Talk to you soon!
Rachel
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