Kaday Village Cultural Tour
All Photos on the Yapese Cultural Experience pages were graciously provided by Dianne Strong of Guam.
Dianne has written a great book on Kimio Ausek and the wrecks of Truk Lagoon.
A Big Thank You to Dianne for the photos and generous support over the years!
 No
journey to Yap is complete without a glimpse of the Yapese
way of village life. Local customs and traditions are
rich on this unique island paradise. An afternoon tour
brought these wonderful memories:
"Our smiling
guides met us as we stepped down from the hotel van and
entered a world so different from what we're used to.
The journey began at the beginning of the ancient stone
path, which is an immense series of walkways that intertwine
throughout the island; a series of pathways connecting
villages before modern roads were built.
 The
stones were broad and smooth, carefully laid out before
us, adorned on both sides by hibiscus, plumeria, and
stalks of bamboo. As we wandered on the moss covered
walkway, we occasionally stopped to gaze at the swampy
taro patches, filled with a root vegetable that is a
primary food staple for Micronesians.
Mango trees, papaya,
breadfruit, bananas, betel nut, coconuts, soursop, passion
fruit and orchids and birds-of-paradise grow in abundance
in the dense jungle along each side of our path.
 
 
Our guide led the way to the Peebay,
or Meeting House, which is still used for general village
meetings and to conduct the 'business' of the village.
Some villages have a Peebay, while others have a Faluw,
or Men's house, which is for men only. Kaday's men's
house was damaged many years ago in a rare typhoon, but
the meeting house still stands and is used in every day
activities.
After our fifteen minute walk (all
downhill) we came to the Peebay, where the villagers
were preparing for the dance and were waiting to greet
us. The friendly, smiling faces made us feel warm and
welcome, and we immediately felt like old friends.
Preparing for the dance involved
the tedious task of making beautiful flower leis and
coconut leaf decorations.
 
On to dance... |
