10 Things You Didn't Know About Palau

When I started telling people that I was going to be a missionary in Palau, I got asked a lot of questions. "Where in the world is that?" "What is it like there?" I actually didn't know the answers to a lot of the questions myself until I got here. So I thought I would share what I've learned over the past 9 months with you.

Of course there is no way you could ever fit everything there is to know about Palau into 10 simple facts and I am by no means an expert on Palauan life or culture, this is just me sharing a little bit of what I love about Palau with you. Hope you enjoy!

TEN THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT PALAU

NUMBER ONE
Palau is an island group tucked into the western Pacific Ocean and is part of Micronesia. 

NUMBER TWO
Palau is beautifully and geographically diverse. Never will you ever find coral reefs, limestone islands, white beaches, and luscious hills all in one place. I love it. 

NUMBER THREE
There is such a thing as "island time." People and fellowship are more important than starting exactly on time. 

NUMBER FOUR
Storyboards are beautiful carvings of Palauan stories and legends on pieces of mahogany wood. They are all unique and incredibly gorgeous. 

NUMBER FIVE
The Rock Islands are by far one of the most beautiful water spots in the world. (I'm entirely bias) When you Google "Palau" these are the images you see. The Rock Islands are famous for diving and other tourist spots, including the famous Jellyfish Lake. 

NUMBER SIX
Jellyfish Lake! This is just one of the 57 marine lakes in Palau. The jellies don't have a sting, at least not one that is usually felt. In all the times we've gone (like 4) nobody has ever been stung. (fingers crossed!) 

NUMBER SEVEN
Palauans eat lots of rice, taro, and fish. I have come to love this simple meal so much! (P.S. Palau has the BEST fish I have ever eaten)

NUMBER EIGHT
Palauans raise their eyebrows to say "yes." It's actually really catchy and I do it all the time. 

NUMBER NINE
The internet is slow. I will never complain about slow internet again. But the lack of internet and limited cell phone usage in Palau is a wonderful thing. People actually just drive by your house to see if you are there to hang out! (imagine that!) 

NUMBER TEN
This place is like none other and my heart strings will forever be tied to this island. 

So there you have it. Ten short, random little facts about this place I've called home over the last 10 months. 

Thank you for sticking with me through the slow internet (I warned you) as it has taken me several tries just to get this post up. Keep on reading! 

Rachel