Palau

A little R&R in Palau has been a very good idea. Palau is just as beautiful as advertised. It is lush green with beautiful sea views. Had been snorkeling four times along the coral reefs of the Big Deep, an experience in itself. Visited the Rock Islands - limestone islands that are covered with vegetation and trees but no soil, the Milky Way which has a mud that is used for facials, etc. And snorkeled at Jellyfish Lake - there are millions there and they swim and just bump right into you. You can actually hold them in your hands underwater. Palau also has a variety of restuarants, a very nice change in diet. Tried somewhere different every day. In addition, I really enjoyed the two museums - the National Museum and the Epsitson (spelling not quite right). Today I travel up north then tonight leave for Yap.

More pictures when I get a faster internet connection. :)

Rock Islands - a protected area. Can visit with a permit only - which is good for one week. Well worth it, these islands are beautiful and hopefully will be preserved. The water is warm and perfect for snorkeling with all of the reefs and fish.

The islands are worn away at the base from the tide. This gives them a "mushroom" shape. Some have small beaches, others none.

Sunset taken at the Palau Pacific Resort, which I visited last night. There was a cultural dance - more melodious than Yap, but very brief. The highlight was the wonderful conversations about local issues that I had with the restaurant supervisor.

Another example of the water eroding the base of the islands. Amazed at how these trees can grow in limestone.

Cultural dancers. Westernization has led to wearing tops - just like Hawaii, although the custom is for the women to be topless throughout the Pacific Islands..