Through the Classroom Window
"The Shy One"

© Gunther Deichmann - A student from the Public High School in Chuuk Micronesia, 2008.
From the article "The Forgotten Ones."

© Gunther Deichmann - Chuuk Micronesia,
High School Grounds

It is not known when the islands of Chuuk were first settled, but, based on archaeological evidence, these islands had originally been settled more than 2000 years ago. It is also not known with certainty where the original inhabitants came from. Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200 AD, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 AD.

More at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuuk

Map of Chuuk: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_Chuuk_Islands1.png

© Gunther Deichmann - a Chuukese blowing the Shell as a welcome sign - the language of Chuuk belongs to the enormous Malayo-Polynesian family, one of the major branches of the Austronesian language phylum.

Chuuk is also with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon a Mecca for wreck divers. A major shipwreck site from WWII, Truk Lagoon is unquestionably the world's best shipwreck diving destination. Here, more than 50 hulks have been transformed into ship-reefs, holding the very best of the undersea world and maritime history at one site.

GD

“Painted Skies & Oceans”
the Colors of Micronesia.



© Gunther Deichmann - Dramatic Sunset & Rainbow over the Pacific.

A dramatic sunset in the Pacific, the Image above taken between Chuuk (Truk Lagoon) and Pohnpei in Micronesia.

The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent, sovereign nation made up of Pohnpei and three other states; Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Together, the FSM comprises approximately 607 small islands in the Western Pacific spread over almost 1,700 miles (2,700 km) from east to west just above the equator some 2,500 miles (4,000 km) southwest of Hawaii and about 1,800 miles (2,900 km) north of eastern Australia, above Papua New Guinea.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunset over the famous Truk Lagoon,
a Divers paradise for WWII ship wrecks

Chuuk or better known amongst the Scuba Diving community as Truk Lagoon is a must for Divers who like to explore the amazing WWII wrecks in this Lagoon. A whole Japanese fleet was sunk here during the WWII. Great Visibility and little current makes this a perfect destination for Wreck Divers.

© Gunther Deichmann - A lone Coconut tree at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia



© Gunther Deichmann - dramatic clouds over the
Palau Rock islands, Micronesia

Palau is also know as one of the best Dive destinations in the world, diving highlights include Blue Corner and the Blue Hole, plus so many others. In 2009 Palau became also the first Shark Sanctuary in the World, one of Natures best kept secret with its amazing bio diversity below and above the waves. Check out Sam’s Tours for all your scuba diving activities in 2010.

© Gunther Deichmann - a small island just in front
of the Palau Pacific Resort




© Gunther Deichmann - typical Pacific sunset, Palau




© Gunther Deichmann - Islands at sunset, Palau Micronesia




© Gunther Deichmann - Coconut trees at the edge of
Truk Lagoon, Chuuk Micronesia



© Gunther Deichmann - aerial view at sunset, Rock Islands Palau



© Gunther Deichmann - view from inside a
cave in the Palau Rock Islands, Palau



© Gunther Deichmann - sunset at the Palau Pacific Resort also known as PPR

Check out the GD PhotoWorkshop site for all the Calendar dates in 2010
including a trip trip to Palau Micronesia in June 2010
Adventure Travel with your Digital Camera!

Busy time ahead for Sam’s Tours
Digital Photo Center...the Kids have arrived!

It is buzzing with Kids and adults at Sam’s Tours in Palau THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started...fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours.

But with the state of the art equipped Digital Photo Center the Kids should have no problems managing & downloading their photos.

Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!
Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff.

Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.

© Gunther Deichmann - color below the waves, my son
Mark-Lee during one of his first dives
a few yeas ago in Palau, near Blue Corner

The Kids Sea Camp is Locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Children’s education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Photo © Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...


© Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...
Dermot Keane the GM of Sam’s Tours during the opening Ceremony.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network. LINK to more Photos from the Kids Sea Camp in Palau

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the Rock Islands, Palau

Good luck to all Kids and adults who joined
this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good!