Visitors to Pohnpei

A while ago (early July!), my mother, father and uncle visited us here in Pohnpei.
To help them fit in, we asked them to grow small shrubberies on their heads before they arrived.


The mobile phone system is so good in the FSM that we wanted to show them the very highest antenna there is at the top of Sokehs Ridge. It was quite a hike to the top... Not bad for their second day in the tropics!


Nothing that can't be soothed by the ocean view at The Ocean View Hotel however. That's Sokehs Ridge, behind the pole Dad is standing in front of.

Congress was in session, and we attended the opening day. We were very kindly welcomed by Senator Halbert and Speaker Figir. You can see the journal transcript by clicking here.
(bottom of page 9, top of page 10)


We toured Kolonia, seeing the sights, such as the bell tower of the ex-German catholic church.

Had a brilliant day on a tour with The Village Hotel.

We snorkelled and picnicked at Manta Road and Na Island, on the way to Nan Madol.



Nan Madol was amazing and awe-inspiring as usual.


And we had a glorious swim at Kepirohi Falls.

We visited the Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP), where friends of ours breed giant clams, amongst other weird and wonderful things.

We attended the inauguration of the new President of the FSM, Emanuel (Mani) Mori.

We spent a glorious weekend at Black Coral Island, snorkelling, swimming, eating, drinking and sleeping.

And, after all that, they still wanted to leave.
They had to leave their shrubberies though, you know how strict the customs officers are in Australia...

That's their plane, as seen from our balcony, whisking them back to Australia.

It was a great 9 days, and we really enjoyed being 'the locals' and showing them around.
Thanks Mum, Dad and Paul for taking the huge effort and expense to visit us, it was excellent!

Ben