Kelly visits the Marshall Islands!
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Yowke! (Hello)

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is located in the Central Pacific and consists of two main coral island chains, named Sunrise and Sunset. The Micronesian country is made up of 30 atolls encompassing over 1,000 gorgeous islands.

It was great being back in the Micronesia; it reminded me so much of my time living in the magical country of Palau. The Marshallese are extremely welcoming and charming people, full of smiles and laughter. The capital, Majuro, is very westernized and you could buy just about anything you want.for a price of course. Robert Louis Stevenson called the atoll the 'Pearl of the Pacific' although that was a long time ago when you couldnt go to ACE Hardware or Taco Bills. Really Majuro is a terrific place with amazing people who live on a ribbon of land so narrow that you can see the ocean on both sides.

I was fortunate enough to travel to a stunning lush tropical atoll named Likiep; it was truly the Pearl atoll with its white sand beaches and turquoise lagoon. The island of lush green plants was also abundance with coconuts, breadfruits and pandanus trees.

I believe most people know the Marshalls as a place where the famed US aviator Amelia Earhart disappeared in this part of the Pacific. Although the mystery surrounding her disappearance remains, she was reportedly seen on Mili an Island south of Majuro. I also searched for her but my investigative tools failed me.

Or you might remember the Marshall Islands as the first Micronesian islands captured by the Americans in WWII or where we (Americans) began to test atomic bombs on Bikini atoll. Either way it is an unforgettable place.

The country is now famous for its prime sport fishing; the waters are abundant with tuna, marlin, mahi-mahi and wahoo. As you can imagine fish and seafood provide the bulk of the traditional meal, which are often complimented by breadfruit, coconut, arrowroot, yams, taro and pumpkins. Yum.I am hungry now!

I hope you enjoy the pictures and one day get a chance to visit RMI.

Kelly, November 12, 2003