Welcome to Yap Island
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- Mogethin! Welcome to Yap!
Yap is one of four island states that makes up the Federated States of Micronesia. The other island states include Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. It’s important to note that the FSM does not make up the entirety of Micronesia. Rather, it is part of one of five other Micronesian countries including Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, and Palau. Micronesia also holds three US territories including the Northern Mariana Islands, Wake Island, and Guam.
Three of the Micronesian countries (including the FSM, Palau, and Marshall Islands) are part of what is called the “Compact of Free Association” with the United States. This basically means that Palauans, FSM citizens, and Marshallese can freely live, work, and study in the United States. This also means that these islands are under US protection, receive economic assistance, and are allowed to join the US military.
A little about Yap...
Yap island is famous for its ancient currency, better known as “stone money.” For several hundred years, Yapese traveled by canoes and rafts over 300 miles away to Palau where they quarried these huge stone megaliths from the limestone caves. The carving and transporting of these stones to Yap are a testament to the ingenuity, strength, and bravery of early Yapese. That is why today you will find pieces of stone money all throughout the island to commemorate these brave men and to retain the unique shape as a symbol of Yapese culture.
Another interesting fact you will not be able to avoid when visiting Yap concerns the once famous Irish American by the name of David Dean O’Keefe. Using his ship and tools, he helped to bring Yapese to Palau and to transport these discs back to the island. For over thirty years he conducted his business on the island and even to this day is still remembered. You can even find a local inn on the island named after him, and there is even a small island named after him as well.
Because of Yap’s strategic location in the Pacific, it is no surprise that it played a significant role during World War II. Beginning in 1914, Japan had a stronghold on the island of Yap, having obtained it from Germany. Between 1944-1945, several airstrikes occurred from the US as they sought to wipe out the Japanese from the island. In the end, it is estimated around forty American planes were shot down, and 100s of lives were lost. You can find the remains of these air attacks all over the island.
Some other facts about Yap...
Today, Yapese still hold to many of its traditional customs including the way they dress, initiate domestic policies, and of course their endless amount of hospitality. Yap is one of the safest places to live, and I’ve met so many wonderful people since coming here in July. The chance to learn about ancient Yapese is right at your fingertips as there are tours available, plenty of open-hearted locals to speak to, and even an annual holiday to showcase traditional customs.
While there are several outer islands that are apart of Yap state, they are not necessarily the same as Yap as far as traditions or customs are concerned. Even the languages are different. Some of these outer islands include Ulithi, Fais, Woleai, Satawal, and so many others. This is why here on the mainland of Yap Island, most everyone speaks English because it is the commonly understood language between everyone.
The local cuisine is something you can't miss out on. My suggestion is to try the fish. When you visit any of the restaurants, just as what fish specialty they have for the day. Some of my favorites include the yellowfin tuna, grouper, and barracuda.
Thanks for checking out the video!
Music is copyright-free and available on TH-cam Studio:
“Good Times” by Patrick Patrikios
Map images from mapsland.com and pacificworlds.com
Image of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with Micronesian, Marshallese, and Palauan presidents is from Wikipedia.
Check out my instagram for more pics of my life overseas:
bretts.life
#yap #yapisland #micronesia #fsm #federatedstatesofmicronesia #islandlife #island #tradition #travel
Pretty cool place thank you for sharing the places most people dont know about or travel too I enjoy seeing other cultures
Thank you sir! 🙏
A fantastic share!!! Thanks .Brett… all the best…jeff
Thanks Jeff! ✊
Marshall island ❤❤❤
My cousin was behind you
Taylor --awesome vid. Great sharing the McDo (What filipinos call McDonalds) with you in Cebu! I can see why you are enamored with Yap. Looks like a VERY cool place.
Thanks so much, sir! It was a pleasure meeting you. Thanks for keeping me company for dinner!
All I have to say is that it is a wonderful presentation of the culture of the island and the kind people of the island. It is truly a wonderful video, always excellent in delivering information. I learned a lot today about the island, and your smile in the video is truly contagious. Continue this wonderful work. Good luck, and I guarantee you something. You are now. one of them❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ahh thanks so much man! 🙏
And I was there
There are so many valuable things you mention that people can learn from Yap, Micronesia. The cultural insights, traditions, and unique aspects you highlighted are fascinating. Plus, the video is very well presented, my brother. It's engaging and informative, making it easy for viewers to appreciate the richness of Yap's heritage. See you soonest brother 😉
Thanks for the comment, sir! 🙏
Come out and visit when you can.
Awesome video! Now I'm craving sashimi!
I would have to argue it was the best sashimi I’ve ever had. 👀
I see betelnuts ahaha. Mr. Taylor, do you chew? ahaha all jokes, but good presentation my favorite English teacher. Hello from the RMI from one of your humble students.
Haha, never have! Sure do miss you guys. 💙