The Love of the Betel Nut - Chewing in Palau

Betel nuts are the cigarettes of many countries of the area, and each country has their particular way of preparing the nut. Cigarettes are actually an ingredient in this nut-chaw national habit. First you cut/bite off the stem of a green betel nut (and remove the exterior shell if you like). Then cut it in half and scoop out the center pulp. Sprinkle some powdered lime in each half. Split a cigarette in two and place it in one half. Take a piece of piper leaf and stuff it in there like a bit of lettuce on a sandwich. Close the two halves and stick the whole thing in the pocket between your gums and teeth. Have a spit bottle handy. You’ll notice orange splatters along many roads along with the fibrous remains of the nut from daily commuters getting their morning/afternoon fix.

Guesthouses and outdoor kitchens

The advantages of outdoor kitchens in Palau are many. Really there is no need to have a kitchen indoors. The temperatures are not ever so cold that you need to be inside. So long as you have all the essentials and screens around the exterior, you're all set.

These are photos of the Sunset guesthouse in Peleliu and their outdoor kitchen.

Fueling up

Gas station on Peleliu Island. The gas is kept in 55 gallon barrels (which are also taken to the ferry landing to fill the tanks) and is poured into 1 gallon plastic jugs to measure the amount of gas purchased. Simple and straightforward.

My understanding is the building behind this is being refurbished for a new station.

Memories of War at Peleliu

Peleliu Island is a fascinating mix of natural beauty and eerie reminders of our warring past. During WWII Japanese troops had established a remarkable network of caves and reinforced battlements, making the battle of Peleliu one of the bloodiest of the war. There were unbelievable casualties on both sides. 

As you wander the coastlines, you’ll stumble across old cannon shelters or inland you'll find caves that served as command centers and hospitals. Bloody Beach, despite it's name, is one of the most relaxing, quiet beaches you could ever visit.

 

When this life is over - Palauan cemetery

Small, local cemetery. Most headstones are cast concrete with names written by hand before the concrete dries. Many traditional graves are covered with coral or limestone rocks.