Travel Photography: Destination tips, Island Portraits from Chuuk - Pohnpei - Yap & Palau, Micronesia.
It can be fun going back in time & digging through your archives…
I found some cool Island Portraits from Micronesia in the process.
High school student Chuuk, Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
A short break from Asia; traveling back in time to some other amazing places like Chuuk, Pohnpei, Yap and Palau in Micronesia.
While going through my archives the other day I thought hey why not share some images from the past, some taken on Kodachrome Film and others digital.
Traditional Chuukese blowing the shell as a welcome, Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Young girl on a rusty Landing Craft, remnants from the IIWW,
Chuuk or also know as Truk Lagoon, Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
These are some of my favorite Portraits of people in Micronesia from the remote Island of Pohnpei with its mysterious ruins of Nan Madol (also called the Venice of the Pacific) or to Chuuk know better as Truk Lagoon where a whole Japanese fleet was sunk during WWII.
Of course then there is the charming and ever so traditional island of Yap with its still intact culture and tradition, very little has changed here over the years.
Traditional Palauan Girl during a ceremony,
Palau, Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Late afternoon sun on this Palauan Boy near the waters edge
where he is playing, he is holding a large rock then jumping
into the water to dive, the rock is his ballast for easier diving.
Palau Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Palau the magical Islands of the pacific needs no introduction…
a sheer paradise above and below the waves, natures awesome creation and for sure a highlight in the pacific.
I have written articles on all those remote destinations before but when I flipped through my archives the other day I decided to select some portraits of people I encountered during my visits.
Traditional Palauan, Palau Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
See below also some useful information and excerpts from Wikipedia and Palautours.com which by the way has a very nice Photo Gallery on Palau.
Yap Village Chief resting against Yap Money,
Island of Yap Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
A young boy during the Yap day festival, the culture
in Yap is thriving and very much alive
Island of Yap Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Excepts from Wikipedia:
Yap, also known as Wa'ab by locals, is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean. Yap's indigenous cultures and traditions are still strong compared to other neighboring islands. The island of Yap actually consists of four continental islands (hence the alternative name of the Yap Islands). The four are very close together and joined within a common coral reef and entirely formed from an uplift of the Philippine Sea Plate.
Yap is notable for its stone money, known as Rai: large shaped, carved disks of up to 4 m (12 ft) in diameter.
Many of them were brought from other islands, as far as New Guinea, but most came in ancient times from Palau. Their value is based on both the stone's size and its history. Historically the Yapese valued the disks because the material looks like quartz, and these were the shiniest objects around. Eventually the stones became legal tender and were even mandatory in some payments.
Women young and old are topless not only during ceremonies and festivals but all year around, you even get greeted at the arrival at the airport by traditional dressed women, for the women being topless is a very normal and cultural part of this island. Island of Yap Micronesia
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© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Chuuk — formerly Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus — is an island group in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), along with Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Chuuk is the most populous of the FSM's states. Geographically, Chuuk is also part of the larger Caroline Islands group. Chuuk means mountain in the Chuukese language and was known mainly as Truk (a mispronunciation of Ruk), until 1990.
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. Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200 AD, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 AD.
Pohnpei "upon (pohn) a stone altar (pei)" (formerly known as Ponape) is the name of one of the four states in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), situated among the Senyavin Islands which are part of the larger Caroline Islands group. Palikir, the FSM's capital, is located on Pohnpei Island.
Pohnpei Island is the largest, highest, most populous, and most developed single island in the FSM. The islanders of Pohnpei have a reputation as being the most welcoming of outsiders among residents of the island group.
Pohnpei is also one of the wettest places on earth with annual recorded rainfall exceeding 300 inches (7,600 mm) each year in certain mountainous locations. Pohnpeian historic society was highly structured into five tribes, various clans and sub-clans; each tribe headed by two principal chiefs.
Young girl playing with yellow price tags along
the road on Pohnpei Island, Micronesia
Excerpts from Palautours.com
The magnificent islands of the Republic of Palau, fondly called Belau by its friendly inhabitants, were named by early explorers and have been known to the outside world at one time or another as West Caroline Islands, the Palaos, the New Philippines, Panlog, and the Pelew Islands.
Notwithstanding Palau's intriguing variety of names, in 1696 survivors of two canoes full of seafaring natives from the Micronesian island of Yap told Spanish priests about the islands' existence after they washed up on the shores of Samar Island in the Philippines. What followed were several determined attempts to reach them, but only in 1710 did Capitan Francisco Padilla – in command of the Santissima Trinidad galleon – finally discover and land on the Palau island of Sonsorol, where they were met with open arms by friendly natives.
The Republic of Palau comprises the westernmost group of the West Caroline Islands, an integral part of Micronesia. The country's local language remains Palauan, despite the many foreign influences ranging from Spanish to Japanese, German and English. Palauan is spoken throughout the island, except in the Southwest Islands where inhabitants speak a Yapese dialect.
Palauan is primarily a spoken language, with much confusion on correct spelling in its written form. In many cases words are “Americanized” so they become easier to pronounce. With an approximate 20,000 inhabitants, the islands are sparsely populated.
Within its composition the populace has a rather big “generation” gap. The older generation, mostly raised during the prewar Japanese era still speaks fluent Japanese, while the younger generation, mostly raised under American influence, speaks English.
Families who can afford to do so send their children to the United States mainland or to Hawaii for their education. Many who finish do not return primarily because of more lucrative job opportunities abroad, resulting in a serious shortage of young Palauans to fill pertinent vacancies.
Thus outside workers have to be hired, and they are conspicuously present among the population in the form of a large foreign workforce, mainly Filipinos. In terms of the public versus private sectors, about 45 percent of the population works for the local government, with the balance involved in either the tourism or fishing industries.
Travel Tip:
If you like to visit some of these amazing places and you happen to be at the Duesseldorf Boot Show in January then you have to check out the Booth of Sam's Tours and the Palau Visitors Authority.
Duesseldorf, Germany - Boot Show -
21st - 29th January 2012
Pls. Note: All images have been processed with Aperture 3 and no manipulation.
Check out also the GD Photo Workshop Calendar for 2012 & 2013.
For more info please Click this LINK.
GD
Environment:Palau International Airport is getting a nice facelift, thanks to the Shark Sanctuary
Keep Palau the way Nature intended it,
it's natural beauty and marine environment.
Palau Rock Islands - Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
The Palau International Airport is getting a nice facelift, thanks to the "Worlds 1st Shark Sanctuary" in cooperation with the airport authorities in Palau: PEW, Palau Shark Sanctuary, the Palau Visitors Authorities (PVA) and many other individuals, like Dermot Keane the Founder of the Palau Shark sanctuary who made this possible.
Websync International; Arnold Munz, Hermes Singson and myself (responsible for the production) are proud to be associated with this project, and of course the generosity from the contributing Photographers: Todd Essick, Mandy Etpison & Gunther Deichmann without their help and photos this could not have been achieved, besides keeping an almost impossible deadline.
These very large display panels will grace now the interior of the Palau international Airport shortly. Showcasing an Environmental statement, a Government committed to the conservation of our natural resources and our precious marine life, and at the same time educating international Visitors up on arrival and departure...another first for Palau.
GD
Palau International Airport - Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Now enjoy Palau the way Nature intended it!
Palau Shark Sanctuary Dermot Keane Founder Box 7076 Koror, PW 96940, Palau phone: +680-488-7267 e-mail sharksanctuary@gmail.com www.sharksanctuary.com About Palau Shark Sanctuary Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters.
In May 2003, former Palau President Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., became a key supporter of the efforts of Palau Shark Sanctuary; in September 2003 he signed in to law some of the toughest anti-shark-finning legislation in the world. On September 25, 2009, President Johnson Toribiong from Palau declared the EEZ of Palau the world’s first shark sanctuary during a speech in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
Palau Shark Sanctuary remains committed to the full implementation, enforcement and success of Palau’s marine sanctuary.
Environment - Late Breaking NEWS: Palau withdraws from agreement with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Palau withdraws from agreement with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Anti-Poaching support most likely to be provided by Japanese government
Palau Blue Corner - Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Koror/Palau, June 03, 2011 – Enforcement of shark sanctuary remains ultimate goal and priority for Palau Shark Sanctuary.
H.E. Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, withdrew the agreement signed in March between the Pacific island state and the marine wildlife conservation organization. Instead, according to Sea Shepherd sources, the Japanese government is supposed to support Palau by providing a patrol vessel and financial support as an alternative to Sea Shepherd’s involvement.
Dermot Keane, founder of non-profit organization Palau Shark Sanctuary, who established the contact between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Presidential Office of Palau, comments:
“While this decision came as a surprise to us, Palau Shark Sanctuary remains fully committed to the protection of Palau’s sharks and seeks full enforcement of the sanctuary declared by President Toribiong in 2009. We hope to welcome a patrol vessel to our waters very soon that will effectively support efforts to end illegal fishing in Palau.”
Palau Shark Sanctuary
Dermot Keane
Founder
Box 7076
Koror, PW 96940, Palau
phone: +680-488-7267
e-mail sharksanctuary@gmail.com
www.sharksanctuary.com
About Palau Shark Sanctuary
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters.
In May 2003, former Palau President Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., became a key supporter of the efforts of Palau Shark Sanctuary; in September 2003 he signed in to law some of the toughest anti-shark-finning legislation in the world. On September 25, 2009, President Johnson Toribiong from Palau declared the EEZ of Palau the world’s first shark sanctuary during a speech in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.
Palau Shark Sanctuary remains committed to the full implementation, enforcement and success of Palau’s marine sanctuary.
Late NEWS: Sea Shepherd to send vessel to patrol the territorial waters of Palau supporting the Shark Sanctuary
Breaking NEWS! For immediate release!
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society supports
Palau in protection of marine sanctuary & law enforcement
Sea Shepherd to send one of its vessels to
patrol the territorial waters of Palau
Copyright all Rights reserved. Mandatory credit with image use:
© Gunther Deichmann - www.deichmann-photo.com
Koror/Palau, March 31, 2011 – The support of a high-tech vessel will have a significant impact on the marine law enforcement against illegal fishing practices after Palau declared its waters a marine sanctuary.
On March 11, 2011, H.E. Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, Paul Watson, President and Founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Steve Roest, Chief Executive Officer of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society signed a Memorandum of Agreement through which Sea Shepherd.
A global marine conservation organization, will undertake an initial patrol campaign in the territorial waters of Palau and will provide advice in assessing options and best procedures for ongoing marine conservations operations. In addition, Sea Shepherd will fully fund the operations of its vessel M/Y Bob Barker, a former Norwegian whaler, and assets and will provide support and training to local authorities where needed or appropriate.
The well equipped conservation society taps into high-tech resources such as helicopter surveillance, drone (UAV) technology, fast interceptor boats, and radar tracking systems, putting the marine enforcement entity of Palau at par with the illegal fishing operations it is trying to fight since the implementation of the world’s first shark sanctuary in September 2009, followed by the extension to a complete marine sanctuary in November 2010.
Dermot Keane, Founder of non-profit organization Palau Shark Sanctuary, who established the contact between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Presidential Office of Palau, and signed the Memorandum of Agreement as a witness, comments:
“This is a major milestone for Palau’s conservation efforts and clearly sends the right message to the world: our nation is serious about the enforcement of our marine protection laws, and with the help of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, even small nations can make a big difference.”
# # #
To interview Captain Watson or for general media requests, please contact the U.S. IHQ Media Department of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society:
Traci Walter or Katia Carter, phone +1-360-370-5650, media@seashepherd.org
Australia: Jeff Hansen, phone +61-409-472-922, jeff@seashepherd.org
Europe: Brigitte Scheffer, phone +44-7969-297726, brigitte@seashepherd.org or Laurens de Groot, phone +31-64-22-99-727, laurens@seashepherd.org
For image material, please visit: http://media.seashepherd.org
# # #
Palau Shark Sanctuary
Dermot Keane
Founder
Box 7076
Koror, PW 96940, Palau
phone: +680-488-7267
e-mail sharksanctuary@gmail.com
www.sharksanctuary.com
About Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) is an international non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization. The Society’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world's oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd uses innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document, and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.
By safeguarding the biodiversity of the planet’s delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.
About Palau Shark Sanctuary
Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 in an effort to end the annihilation of Palau's sharks as a result of rampant shark-finning at the hands of foreign long-line fishing vessels licensed by Palau to fish in their waters. In May 2003, former Palau President Mr. Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., became a key supporter of the efforts of Palau Shark Sanctuary; in September 2003 he signed in to law some of the toughest anti-shark-finning legislation in the world.
On September 25, 2009, President Johnson Toribiong from Palau declared the EEZ of Palau the world’s first shark sanctuary during a speech in front of the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. Palau Shark Sanctuary remains committed to the full implementation, enforcement and success of Palau’s marine sanctuary.
Photography: Painted skies & oceans the Colors of Micronesia, adventure travel with your Digital Camera.
“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!
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!
