Page 120 - Pacific Paradises 2019

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KOSRAE

The State of Kosrae is one of lineage and clans with a feudal Traditional foods on the island include
four states in the Federated structure of nobles who controlled the breadfruit, coconut, banana, taro,
States of Micronesia and, as land that was worked by commoners. yam and sugarcane. Woodcarving,
well as the island of Kosrae, The settlements consisted of small traditional canoe and cottage
consists of several islands and groups of relatives who shared a single construction, fishing, farming and
islets, the most significant being cookhouse, usually with at least one fine weaving using hibiscus, pandanus
Lelu Island. earth oven. and coconut palms continue to be an
integral way of life on the island.
The first missionary post was
Roughly triangular in shape, Kosrae established in 1852 after American The weather in Kosrae is warm and
covers an area of approximately 110 missionaries felt the need to protect humid throughout the year with an
square kilometres.
o
the people of Kosrae from the large average temperature of 25 C and rarely
The most eastern of the Caroline numbers of whalers and beachcombers exceeding 32 C. It has two distinct
o
Islands, Kosrae has a population of who had made the island, which they seasons, dry and rainy and during the
approximately 7000 people and is considered a paradise, their home. rainy season, November to April, be
located north of the equator between prepared for showers everyday.
Guam and the islands of Hawaii. The Even today religion plays an integral
coral reefs that surround the island are role in the culture of Kosrae. Sunday is Casual and summer clothing is
kept in a pristine condition through considered a day of rest and most stores worn throughout the year although
an extensive mooring buoy system and shops are closed on that day. swimsuits and shorts are not acceptable
and the area is becoming a favourite In 1874, the pirate Bully Hayes was in the villages. Be respectful—cover
destination for scuba divers from all shipwrecked on Kosrae when his ship, your shoulders and knees, and don’t
around the world. The island’s interior the Leonara, was stuck in Lelu harbour forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
is covered with deep vegetation and during a storm. During his stay of Kosrae is a wonderful gem, yet to be
steep mountains that keep it largely several months on the island, Nully discovered by most modern travellers.
undeveloped. European contact with terrorised the local people. He was A visit guarantees the experience of a
Kosrae in 1824 reported a highly finally arrested by Captain Dupuis lifetime—from the unhurried, friendly
stratified society that was typical of the aboard the HMS Rosario but managed lifestyle and warm, island hospitality
surrounding islands at that time. Its to escape on a boat built of timber from that are as unforgettable as the magical
cultural features included matrilineal the wrecked Leonara. Micronesian sunsets.

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