We departed the boat for a 'beach landing' on Palaui Island and were greeted by some 'officials' who took it upon themselves to escort us around the place. Our new friend was Carmela, and she took us to the top of the Cape Engano lighthouse – which was built by the Spanish (even though the Filipinos did all the work) in 1890. It was quite a hot walk, but we managed to stop a few times and take the shady route by avoiding many of the stairs. And of course, Carmila insisted on a number of ‘photo opportunities’ along the way.
Once at the top we could see that it once was once and impressive facility and probably housed a number of people and also operated as a fort. The views were spectacular, especially from further down from the lighthouse towards the water. And there were more photo opportunities!
The downwards trip was much easier and we took a look at the market the locals had set up just for us . . . mostly trinkets which we didn’t buy.
Then it was time for a swim. We also snorkeled but the conditions were underwhelming – far too shallow close to the shore and not much to see further out either. Still the swim was refreshing.
Once back on the boat we had showers and hung our clothes and bathers out to dry before having lunch. I went on an engine room tour, which I had done on a previous trip. It was still very interesting - the boat can make 120,000 litres a day (we only use about 20,000 litres), the sewerage is processed to be so clean it can be discharged at sea, we can carry about 500,000 litres of fuel and burn roughly 700 litres per hour.
This afternoon’s lectures were very ordinary. The ‘Historic Trade Routes in Asia and the Pacific’ talk was piecemeal and all over the place, but I think he was trying to say that trade has been going between China, the Middle East and Europe (and most parts between) for thousands of years. And the ‘Magic of the Golden Pearls’ was pretty much an advertorial for the pearl company and her and Yogi’s publication business. Pretty much content free.
We met some more interesting people for dinner - a couple of Americans who have been pretty much everywhere, including spending six months in Oz.
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