Saturday, September 25, 2010 - Imrodj: Last Jaluit Jaunt
We left Jabor on Saturday morning and sailed up the atoll to an island near the Northeast Pass called Imrodj Island. We thought that there were historical buildings from the Japanese era, but upon arriving found out it was the next island over. Oh well, that's how it goes.
However, we were delighted by a huge white church with stained glass windows and a very well-kept interior. We found out that it was the result of a visit by Morning Star, which was a big missionary sailboat in the 1950s (I think, I'll have to look more into the whole story since I only know a little bit about it.)
We were guided through the island by Smith Ramsey and two children, who I believe were his granddaughter Iboline and grandson William. As we walked around, they tutored me in Marshallese, which was fun. Iboline (which may actually be Evelyn) kept saying, "Monica, Monica." I could not quite figure out the rest of what she was saying and said to her in Marshallese, "I don't understand."
At one point, I was surrounded by little girls. It seems that there is a higher proportion of girls on the island (but that might just be who wanted to talk to me). They continued my Marshallese lessons, focusing on the words for hot and sweat since they would tell that I was both. Then all the girls started saying, "Monica," and took my hand or grabbed a piece of my clothing and escorted me up the road and to the left, where I finally figured out what they were trying to say - they introduced me to a World Teach teacher named Monica. It was fun to chat with her for an hour or so. She's been enjoying her island and has big plans for trying to start a community garden and a women's exercise group. I hope she is successful. I was a little sad we had to leave so soon since it would have been nice to have lunch or dinner with her and treat her to some beans, rice, and cheese. She is not much of a meat eater, but eats whatever her host family provides. She said that most mornings she has pancakes, except for when she treats herself to oatmeal (that she brought in with her). For lunch it's rice and meat along with some coconuts, pandanus, breadfruit or bananas (whatever is ripe and available). She said she was surprised to learn that she doesn't really care that much for reef fish, but prefers shark.
Despite not seeing Japanese ruins, we were happy with our visit to Imrodj, but we needed to be on our way to get to Ailinglaplap in time for the well. So, we pulled up anchor and started to head out the pass where we stalled for while because of the huge storm that formed a wall right outside of the lagoon. Eventually, the rain started to reach us even in the pass, so we headed out and took advantage of the water and took a shower.
I am kind of a little sad because leaving Jaluit brings us fairly close to Kwaj, and we've only really gotten to spend time in Majuro and Jaluit since we didn't make it to Likiep and we left Arno after one night. We'll just have to make the most of the time we have left.
And, yes, I am aware that I should not be feeling sorry for myself since I am pretty darn lucky to be doing any sailing at all, and I've already gotten to see way more of the Marshalls than most people (even many Marshallese). I just have to remember that even though I've not gotten to see as much as I would have liked on this trip, a few years ago, I would never even have dreamed of doing something like this.
Sunday, September 26, 2010 - Ailinglaplap Arrival
The passage to Ailinglaplap was pretty uneventful - there were no engine issues. Yay! The highlight of the passage for me was that during my shift (which was not the midnight to 4 AM ), I unfurled the genoa on my own. Apparently, I am becoming more skilled. (Note for those of you are familiar with sailing, I realize this does not take a great amount of skill, particularly in light winds, still it's a small source of pride for me).
We're going to wait a while before we head to shore to check in since it is Sunday and 11 PM and most people are still in church. I'm excited since this is the island that I visited twice in the past three years and the second time we visited, one of the girls we had met on our first trip (Helenty) remembered me by name, which made me feel pretty darn special.
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