Pohnpei, Micronesia

In the North Pacific Ocean, east of Asia, there is a region known as Micronesia. Within this region is a country known as the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). FSM is split up into 4 states that are on 4 separate islands: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Madolenihmw High School is on the island of Pohnpei, located just less than 7 degrees above the equator and about half way between Hawaii and the Philippines. Pohnpei is split up into 7 different sections, called municipalities. Madolenihmw is a municipality located in the middle of the wet green rainforest. Madolenihmw High School is the only public high school in Madolenihmw and is one of only 3 public high schools in the whole state/island. 

 

Pohnpei is one of the rainiest places in the world-it rains every day for some period of time. When it's not raining, it's 85 degrees. The island is like one big garden. Roads are lined with flowers of many different colors, and different fruits and vegetables are grown all over the island such as coconuts, over 40 varieties of bananas, yam, taro, cucumbers, and much more. 

 

Pohnpeian life is very laid back and people are never rushing to get anywhere. Pohnpeians, in their free time, like to drink "sakau," a uniquely Pohnpeian version of kava. Kava is a slightly narcotic drink that is made by pounding kava root on massive rocks and then mixing it with water, and squeezing it with hibiscus.

 

Pohnpei is surrounded by a barrier coral reef, which makes for a variety of excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and surfing locations. 

 

 

 

Below are some photographs that Coach took in his free time.