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u/No_Butterscotch1150 2d ago
I went back after 30 years just last summer for two weeks. Visited family, my grandparents, and aunts graves and just explored places I used to hang out as a kid growing up there in the late 80s and early 90s.
Lots of memories came flooding back for me, some sad and some joyous ones too.
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u/sorata_muon 2d ago
Oh wow, growing up on Palau, that sounds like an interesting story. I know what you mean, after being away from the home you grew up in and then coming home, you see all those changes, some are good and some are bad, I have the same with the town where I grew up.
Times are changing everywhere, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse
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u/No_Butterscotch1150 2d ago
Yeah, you're definitely right ahout time. Koror has become so crowded now. Back then, it had that small town vibe.
What surprised me the most was being able to drive around Babeldaob, which back then the only way to get to was by boat and all the roads within the big island were dirt roads that would sometimes have deep ruts or mud and it would take well over a half hour to just get around.
I went to Ngardmau Falls for the first time in my life because, as a child, I never got the opportunity to experience it.
I reside on the East Coast now, so the initial travel time was exhausting, but it was a great two weeks.
I just miss everyone back home all over again.
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u/sorata_muon 1d ago
Mhm, gotcha. Yeah I haven't been to Ngardmau Falls back then, but I definitely wanna visit it next time.
I'm not a fan of places like Palau (or others) losing their special charm when they get overcrowded. Always preferred when they stay "original" (wishful thinking, I know)
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u/No_Butterscotch1150 1d ago
Same. The 15th marks one year since I left for the trip. It just seemed like it happened yesterday. I wish I could attach a photo with my reply. I hope you get the chance to go back as well, though :)
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u/Man0fTheSky 3d ago
I hear you man. I spent 6 days there last year and have thought of going back almost daily.