Adventures for Anyone: The Bucket List Continues Lost in the South Pacific

I'm still researching my friend Jenn's bucket list, and this one brought about many things that I did not know. One of the chief places on her bucket list was the Island of Yap. Where is that you might ask? So did I.

Yap is actually a small group of islands that are part of the Federated States of Micronesia. If that sounds confusing, it's around Palau, between the Marshall Island's and Guam, off the coast of Papua New Guinea and in the general area of the Philippines. Basically, it's lost in the South Pacific.

Yap is one of those places that has a complicated history. It's belonged to a little bit of everyone over the years. It was Japanese, German, and even American before gaining its independence in 1986. Now, it's in the grouping that is labeled The Federated States of Micronesia which includes some of the most beautiful islands in the world. After a fairly checkered history involving wars and conquests and subjugation, it's now primarily a tourist attraction. The island is still steeped in culture, which you will get a chance to experience during your visit, and that is probably the most amazing thing about this group of islands.

There are multiple native languages spoken today on the islands. Yapanese is only one of them. English is spoken in most of the towns, so getting around isn't as hard as it seems.

Yapanese culture includes many things that us westerners probably don't understand that well. They are famous for their stone money, which is only used in traditional exchanges these days, but is valued based on its size. There are some "coins" that stand up to 8 feet high. In the olden days, it was a quest for men to go to Palau where the stones were quarried and use their canoe to drag back their coin on a raft. The journey took days and was dangerous; leaving the men who succeeded heroes.

Many things were used as currency in the old days in Yap. There were balls of Turmeric, strings of shells and even fish along with the stone currency. Today, most of it has been replaced by the American Dollar, but it is part of the history that you will learn about when you take a cultural tour of the islands.

The canoe industry was something that was very important to the people of Yap. They traded goods and wives with area islands, and they sometimes needed to travel the ocean for days at a time each way. It was one of the ways that they waged war when necessary as well. The skill they have in canoe making is legendary, and their travels as well.

The dancing is communication and expression in the native culture. There are songs and dances for all facets of life.

One of the biggest attractions in Yap is the water. The grouping of islands is surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear water. There is Manta Ray Sanctuary to visit where you can get up close and personal with them. There are all kinds of diving experiences to be had along the amazing reefs. You can even get a beginner class if you wish while on the island. The people of Yap want everyone to have the opportunity to see life along the reefs.

Yap is an ancient island with a history involving a plethora of landlords and several wars. They are working on finding a way to succeed in the 21st century. Tourism is the most logical way for this still kind of isolated brand new independent country. As they sort out what works for them, we the tourist can take advantage of this relatively new location. There are lovely hotels on the islands and eco lodges as well. There are many scuba diving companies to help you enjoy the marine life. There are many places to visit to learn about the culture and the history of this fascinating island group. In short, even for someone like me who studies most places around the world; there is something to learn here.

Come check out the Island of Yap and the people of the South Pacific.

Enjoy!

https://www.visityap.com/culture/

https://www.britannica.com/place/Yap-Islands

https://www.yapstategov.org/

https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-americas/megalithic-money-yap-001518

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20180502-the-tiny-island-with-human-sized-money

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/david-okeefe-the-king-of-hard-currency-37051930/

https://wherewouldyougo.com/destinations/australia/3-days-on-the-island-of-yap-micronesia/

https://www.mantaray.com/the-island/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g311332-Yap-Vacations.html

https://corporate.southpacificislands.travel/yap-newest-addition-wwii-tours-micronesia/