I'm set to Jet. Tomorrow, I drive down to Green Bay to start this new excursion in the Federated States of Micronesia. For the first few months, I will be training with fellow Peace Corps volunteers in Kolonia, Pohnpei. I'm extremely excited to embark on this new adventure, but I'm not gonna lie...my nerves have been on an overload this past week. I've been trying to read more about Micronesia, but I still have a lot of unanswered questions about what my life will be like over the next two years. (Ahhh...delicious ambiguity. :)) But, Give me one more week and I'll have a little more of an idea.
Here is a brief overview on what I've learned so far:
The Federated States of Micronesia refers to the majority of small islands in the Western Pacific. It consists of four states: Yap, Chuck, Pohnpei, and Kosrea. Micronesia spans across roughly three million square miles in the Pacific Ocean. For the first two months, I will be located in Pohnpei. Pohnpei is the most populated grouping of islands (roughly 30,000 people).
I won't know what language I will be learning until I arrive to Micronesia. English is spoken throughout Micronesia, however, each state has various dialects and languages that are spoken among locals.
The climate in Micronesia remains relatively consistent (around 75-90 degrees throughout the year). I will definately miss the four seasons (especially snow!), but will have the last laugh when all of you are freezing during the winter months in Wisconsin (just kidding).
I'm not sure if I will have internet access, so here is my address if anyone wants to be penpals via snailmail:
Kate Mutchler
Peace Corps/Micronesia
PO Box 9
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Here is a crash course on Pohpeian:
Hello- Kaselehie
Goodbye-Kaselehie ....(thats convenient)
How are you?-la iromw
I'm well-l kehlail
Thank you-Kalahngan
Yes-Eng
No-Soo.
Please-Menlam
This may not get me to far in Pohnpei, but it's a start:)
Kaselehie US of A!!! I'd love to hear from you all in letters!
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2 comments:
hungarians, too, have the same word for hello and goodbye:
szia (pronounced like "see-ya!")
(the hungarians, though, have acquired the odd habit of saying "hello" to end conversations, strangely enough...)
what can be learned of a culture that labels hello and goodbye with the same word?
Internet blogging in Micronesia appears to be difficult but I heard from Kate and she is with her host family in Madolenihm, Pohnpei. She attends school in Kolonia Pohnpei. Yesterday she visited the Nan Madol ruins in Pohnpei. Interesting. She should get her permanent placement around September 24.
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