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 Today, most of it has been replaced by the American Dollar, but it is part of the history that you will learn about when you take a cultural tour of the islands.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/

https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/micronesia-cultural-traditions-and-catholicism-guide-life-yap

https://www.visityap.com/culture/history-of-yap/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g311332-Yap-Hotels.html

https://www.skyscanner.com/flights-to/yap/airlines-that-fly-to-yap-airport.html

 

Some of My Favorite "Dams"

I've decided today to discuss another one of the great bucket list ideas that I've received from my friend and reader, Jenn. She mentioned Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I love Amsterdam, and it would easily take a prime place on my bucket list as well. But, I think that I want to include some other locations in The Netherlands as well, since it is such a compact and fascinating location.

Amsterdam is easily one of the more beautiful cities in the world. Most tourists head straight to the historic canal district which is the place that I too would probably visit and spend an abundance of time in. But, in being a socially forward thinking city, Amsterdam has received not only a famous reputation, but also an infamous one.

It is true that Amsterdam was one of the first places to legalize Marijuana, and they do have a perfectly legal and well monitored red light district. I know plenty of people who have gone to this amazing country just for that. It's interesting, but don't let an amazing bucket list location go to waste. Make sure you spend time exploring some of the other amazing things in Amsterdam.

Not only is the historic district along the famous canals a wealth of culture, but there are amazing things to see and do all over the city. To get around both Amsterdam and The Netherlands it is best to either get a train pass, or rent a bike. You can combine the two options based on day to day activities as well. I don't think I would recommend driving simply because the country is so convenient in the other ways.

Amsterdam is home to some fascinating history. It's the location of the Anne Frank house. Both Amsterdam and throughout The Netherlands there is some of the best art in the world. Only Italy and France can rival The Netherlands when it comes to painters. The Dutch Masters were some of the best painters in history. This amazing, tiny little country was also the birthplace of Van Gogh. You can take classes in the methods used by the Dutch Masters as well. Art is one of the foci of The Netherlands.

One of the other things that The Netherlands is extremely famous for is engineering. A short bike ride from Amsterdam will take you to the open air museum housing the ancient windmills. The Netherlands has always harnessed wind.

The Netherlands has taken wind farming to the next level. The country sits at a precarious crossing of the North Sea and the North Atlantic. The modern wind farms that now sit off the shores of The Netherlands are some of the largest and most efficient in the world.

Trying to control the water has also been a big part of the country's history. There have been dykes in Holland all the way back to Hans Christian Andersen. They have modernized these levees continually over the years. They are now home to some of the largest water control projects in the world. If they weren't, Amsterdam and other cities would be underwater.

The Dutch have been known around the globe for many things over the years. Wind and water control are only a couple. They were so renowned for their ship building that Peter the Great chose to go there to learn how to build ships so Russia could have a navy. They are still making state of the art ships today.

So, remember to get out of Amsterdam while you're there. Don't miss out on what is only a bike ride away. The tulip fields are best in spring, which is a great time to visit the area. Stay right on a canal boat overnight, ride your bike to the tulip fields during the day. Check out an art museum. There are so many things to do.

Now, the reason I said some of my favorite "Dams" was because, if you go to Amsterdam, do not miss out on taking a little extra time for your trip and visit Rotterdam right up the road. Rotterdam is still one of the largest and busiest ports in the world. Like Baku in Azerbaijan and Abbu Dhabi; it is famous for it's modern architecture. There is something to look at everywhere if you like architecture. They have some of the best schools in the field right in Rotterdam. It's a stark contrast to the laid back artistic Amsterdam and gives you the other side of the coin in what is a very busy little country.

Amsterdam is calm, with good food and during covid-19 restaurant bubbles along the canals where people can enjoy their meal in virus safety. It's the place where you go to hang out, take a bike ride, visit a museum, and traverse the canals in long boats. Yes, walk the red light district and maybe even smoke a joint in a hash bar. I'm just saying, don't stop there.

Rotterdam is fast paced, ahead of its time in many ways, and a modern marvel to look at. It's one of the busiest ports in the world and without it, we wouldn't be able to buy our widgets from Walmart nearly as easily as we do.

So, I agree. Amsterdam should go on everyone's bucket list. But, with the Netherlands being a tiny country; make time to see more. Take time to see the wonders of architecture from wind farms, to levees, to everything in Rotterdam. It's all worth it. It's all a wonder. Check it out and enjoy!

 

https://www.iamsterdam.com/en

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