Christmas in Palau

[Sorrows]

Three weeks to go...can't believe it's almost here.

So we will be in Palau for Christmas and here's a question I doubt has ever been asked here before: Where can we go to church on Christmas Eve?

I don't really care about the denomination. We attend Catholic Mass in Bonaire when we go there for the holidays, but we aren't Catholic. Actually look at church-going on a dive vacation as a cultural thing--and a chance to meet some of the local people. Also Christmas without choirs and music just seems wrong.
Any suggestions? And how do we get to this church?

My 2nd question has probably been asked and answered before, but...where should we go for Christmas dinner? Or, which restaurant would you recommend for a fine holiday meal? Again, don't really care what kind of cuisine, just would like something a bit more memorable than the usual.

Thanking you in advance:)

[vladimir]

That's easy: in Palau, they combine the religious observance with the dinner, so just go to your local house of worship...and bring a goat. ;)

[Deep Water Dan]

Can't answer your question for you, but we'll see you there. We'll be in Palau from the 20th-27th.

[Sorrows]

Vladimir, that sounds awesome, but where are the local houses of worship? I looked at the Palau yellow pages, and couldn't find any. Do the hotels help guests who want to go to church, I wonder--do they have a list or somethig like that?

DWD, we're staying at the Sea Passion and diving with Sam's. So perhaps we will see each other there.

[Deep Water Dan]

Palau has Yellow Pages?

We'll be at the Sea Passion and diving at Sam's also.

[Sorrows]

17 days and counting! Can hardly wait!

[Kevrumbo]

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Koror, Palau. Rectory/Parish Office (from Yellow Pages): (680) 488-2226

(Large Church can be seen to the left from main road coming from Babeldaop-Koror Friendship Bridge: look to the left again for image of the Sacred Heart painted on a stone wall marker, and turn left into driveway leading up to the church on top of the hill. . .)

Mass Schedule: 5pm Sat; 7am Sun.

Rock Island Cafe had a big & delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Plate --white & dark meat; mashed potatoes & gravy; cranberry sauce & a roll for $8.25 (including iced tea and choice of apple, cherry or pumpkin pie for dessert). . .

[Sorrows]

Thanks, Kevrumbo. Now why couldn't I find that listing in the online yellow pages, I wonder?

Two weeks to go....yippeee!

[Kevrumbo]

Well . . .the Yellow Pages just has " Rectory/Parish Office: (680) 488-2226" under Catholic Missions; I'm assuming that's the Sacred Heart Parish Church in Koror (488 prefix).

Took a hike today into Koror from Malakal Harbor/West Plaza Hotel . . .Sacred Heart Church didn't have a Christmas Mass time schedule posted yet.

Again directions coming from the Airport and Babeldaop-Koror Friendship Bridge on the main road, look for the Maris Stella Catholic School (http://reservoirfrogs.wordpress.com/2008/07/31/downtown-koror-by-eliz/)on the left. The Sacred Heart Church driveway is immediately afterward.

They did have a very nice choir when I attended Xmas Mass here in Koror eight years ago. . .

Have a wonderful time Sorrows!
Say hi to the resident Bull Shark at Peleliu Cut for me if he shows up (you definitely can't miss seeing something that big when he does appear:shocked2: !)

[Sorrows]

Kevrumbo, do I really want to exchange greetings with a Bull Shark?

Thanks for your good wishes! I hope you are having an outstanding time!

Any last advice to give us? Things to add on the "must-have" packing list? Restaurant suggestions I may not have heard yet? What's the weather like right now?

[Kevrumbo]

Bring a rain poncho/rain jacket shell with you wherever you go just in case you get caught in the usual tropical downpour cloudburst; also good for the skiff rides out & coming back from the divesites in cold rainy & windy conditions. Some good wet/dry trail shoes for sightseeing landtours and for walking around downtown Koror. . .

There's a shuttle bus that starts service at 5pm from Sea Passion Hotel, and can take you to the eateries/shopping downtown: pay the bus driver once for the $7 voucher card per person, and it's good for a whole week. You can easily & conveniently walk (or swim!) from Sea Passion Hotel to SamsTours Dive Ops or walk over to the closer Neco Marine Dive Ops down and across the main road. . .

Conditions were partly cloudy with prevailing afternoon & evening T-storms; water temp a constant 29deg C (84deg F), air temp 30deg C (86deg F) with %1000 humidity:shocked2:! Sea surface calm to choppy, sometimes swells 2-4ft depending on divesite, visibility at depth on the outer reef walls of the atoll was unlimited with crystal clear water clarity:cool2:!

[Sorrows]

Thanks, Kevrumbo--for the advice and the info! All good to know!

5 days to go and YES, I am counting!

[Deep Water Dan]

I've been looking for an update from you to see how things are going down in Palau, but I'm guessing you're busy diving and such. I don't plan on wasting a lot of time on the internet while I'm there, either.

We'll be leaving the house in a couple of hours and arriving in Palau a couple of hours after that.

See you then. I'll be the guy in the swim suit at the bar.

[Mossman]

We'll be leaving the house in a couple of hours and arriving in Palau a couple of hours after that.
Do you realize how many divers would love to be able to make a statement like that?

[Deep Water Dan]

Do you realize how many divers would love to be able to make a statement like that?


I do. That's why I picked this assignment, because Guam is a great jumping off point.

Yesterday all we saw were sharks, wrasses, sharks, mantas, sharks, barracuda, sharks, some other stuff, and sharks. And the jellyfish. That was the first day.

I may not want to leave. My wife was gaga after the Blue Corner.

[triggerman365]

If you like Indian food try the Taj Restaurant it is great.

[Kevrumbo]

Merry Christmas Palau Divers!

What a wonderful creation to behold & experience. . . !

[Deep Water Dan]

Merry Christmas Palau Divers!

What a wonderful creation to behold & experience. . . !

Yes. Christmas day with the mantas was awe-inspiring. Too bad we have to get on the plane in a few hours. But we'll be back. Heading to Yap in April.

[Deep Water Dan]

By the way, for those of you lucky enough to still be on Palau or going to be there, I highly recommend the day trip to Peleliu. Not the one where you go out on a dive boat and stop for lunch on Peleliu and look around for an hour or two, but the one where all you do is go to Peleliu and spend the day with a tour guide.

[Sorrows]

I've been looking for an update from you to see how things are going down in Palau, but I'm guessing you're busy diving and such. I don't plan on wasting a lot of time on the internet while I'm there, either.

We'll be leaving the house in a couple of hours and arriving in Palau a couple of hours after that.

See you then. I'll be the guy in the swim suit at the bar.

Hey, Dan! We were on the same boat at one point and didn't even know it!

We got back today. (sigh) At least the snow never hit the D.C. area (sorry NYC). I started posting my (very long-winded) report towards the end of the trip and will finish it shortly. I hope to get some photos up as well.

It was lovely meeting you--best of luck! I know envy is a bad thing, but I can't help feeling just the teeniest bit envious of you right now. What an adventure you are having!