The islands of Micronesia have a place in my heart like no other on earth. These islands were the first international location I called home. The Federated States of Micronesia also have a special place in my heart, Pohnpei in particular with it’s simplicity and rugged beauty. There one can see the heart of Micronesia in the warmth of it’s people, the lush beauty of it’s nature and the simplicity of island life. While visiting Pohnpei I was fortunate enough to visit the ancient ruins of Nan Madol. That visit remains one of my treasured memories of Micronesia.
The entire day was magical and beautiful, not only did I have the opportunity to see a place that is unique and unexplainable but along with it came the chance to visit a tiny atoll where we swam and ate a meal cooked over an open fire pit using banana leaves for plates as we looked out at an endless expanse of tropical turquoise water. The memory of that fish and rice meal remains with me today. There is something special about the places that remove us from everything we know and allows us a touch of a piece of heaven on earth. Micronesia is that place for me. It’s islands are beautiful and rich with history, nature and a warmth you can find only on an island.
If you plan to visit Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia I recommend staying at The Village Hotel. This hotel gives visitors a taste of island life like no other on the island. These delightful bungalow accommodations with their mosquito netted water beds and island style furnishings give visitors a sense of being in paradise. Along with comfort and beauty visitors will enjoy wonderful meals, relaxing surroundings, garden paths bursting with tropical flowers and a staff that is helpful, kind and willing to help guests set up tours and excursions.
Photo Credit: Lisa Overman