Friday, April 30, 2010

Kosrae!



The last week in March was spring break and Morgan and I decided to go to Kosrae, which is an island country that is one plane stop away. Unlike the Marshalls, it is one big island instead of thousands of tiny ones. World Teach is also in Kosrae and we were very grateful the volunteers there were willing to host us. We spent the week being awed at the sight of mountains (the marshalls is completely flat), kayaking, canoing, and lots of hitchhiking! Kosrae even has a few small hotels/resorts mostly owned by americans or other foreigners. Morgan and I fell in love with one called the Tree Lodge (the owner is ironically from Tennessee, near sewanee) that had this amazing restaurant on the water with mountain views. We were even able to get some wine!
Here are some pictures of our trip:






This was a farm on top of a small mountain run by a Japanese man, more vegetables than we'd seen in months! (above)

Morgan at one of the resorts for pizza! (above)


We took an outrigger canoe tour through the mangroves, which was amazing. Our guide Tatau was so great. (below)











(below) kayaking through the mangroves at Tree Lodge





(below) The Tree Lodge restaurant that was a paradise for us!


We went and saw some GIANT eels (below)



and a huge bird cave (below)



(below) We also went spearfishing, with a spear gun. I was more worried about shooting myself in the foot than catching any fish. Morgan shot one, and our guide Hamilton got many. We got pretty beat up in the surf and coral trying to get out of the water, and I was already beat up from falling out of a moving truck the day before (yes, I am a clutz). With many cuts and bruises and looking like a mess, we made it out of the water with all the fish.



A scenic view of Kosrae

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Water Water


This is what we realized we were drinking/showering in/washing clothes in for a few weeks.... the brownish color should have been a dead give away. Morgan is still convinced we have fungus growing in our brains.... fortunately our water is now fixed!



our catchment