Pohnpei, Part 2

 

Kepirohi Falls

On the trail to Nan Madol. 

Nan Madol

 

 

There are stories and legends, but the origins of this "lost city" are truly shrouded in mystery.  Who built it and how did they move these massive basalt columns?  Even the time of construction is not really known.  The ideal way to visit is by boat, but that requires a high tide to get through the shallow waterways and we were there at the wrong time.  You can visit part of the site from land and that's what we did, with Yuko, a guide from a local tour company.  Before we went, Rev. Kalau shared some stories the locals tell about Nan Madol.  They say the spirits there don't mind visitors in the daytime, but not at night.  Walking around this ancient place, with no one else around, it's easy to think there may be something to it.  It's great in the daytime, but I don't believe I would care to spend a night in this place.  

These photos were taken in and around Nan Douwas, which is the largest of the compounds, but only a small part of the the entire site.
 
Rev. Edmund and Elizabeth Kalau.  They came to Micronesia almost 50 years ago as missionaries and are still there.  Rev. Kalau started Pacific Missionary Aviation:  http://www.pmafms.org/home.htm   Supposedly retired, he is more active than most "working" people half his age.  They live on Guam and are still active in PMA and many other things.  They were staying on Pohnpei and we had a great time visiting with them.
 

A good website for more information about Pohnpei:  http://www.pohnpeiheaven.com/index.htm
 
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