Yes, I spent a few days in one of the villages. The village entertained tourists, but I was considered a villager so I could attend the dance for free. I think I spent about $25 a night, which included dinner. That was about 7 years ago.

Expect a rustic visit. It was simular to sharing a tool shed and sleeping on a mat on the floor. Showers where out back with no cover other than plants. I got to know the locals, meet the family and extended family. I also brought some presents for my host family and kids.

I started in a hotel and finished my trip in the hotel, which is what I would do again. The family saw me off with a lei on my 3 am flight back to Guam. Usually my room was used by a peace corp volunteer for a year. That would be a bit too long for me, but I would definately recommend a short stay.

By the end of 2 weeks I knew most of the people on my plane.

Thanks, divedds. I think I will do the same like you, it sounds like a good plan. Hotel- homestay -hotel.

I can recommend Stan Kensof in the Gagil. He has a comfortable beach house. I have stayed there two different visits. He is a good friend of mine. I taught in Yap in 1968-70. I will again return to visit many wonderful friends sometime soon.

Kensof's phone I (691) 350-2400/01. P.O. box 99 Colonia, Yap FSM 96943 legisyap@mail.fm

Hope this helps. Larry

Mogethin!!I'm so glad that I have read about your visitations from Yap!!!I am a yapese,I'm from the municipality called,Fanif.I think it's on the east of Yap.

Well,I hope you guys return someday for another visit!!

kamagar & kefel'

by: cassie

How nice to hear from you. I just came back from Yap. I was there for 2 weeks during Yap day. Yap day is better than it was 4 years ago.

There are more cars. I am told they were bought with typhoon money. There is even a local TV station. One night I watched the 2007 high school graduation.

I also created the Manta Ray sitting dance. While I was doing it a manta came and sat on my head.

If you are going to Yap to be a tourist, don't stay in the village. If you are going to Yap to see a Culture that is unique compared to the rest of the world, then do a home stay.

Do not expect it to be set up for someone from a western country. You sleep on the floor. You shower outside, you get back to basics and live the way we all did hundreds of years ago. However, there are a few modern things like T.V, DVD and sometimes electricity. But those are luxuries.

I lived on the island for 12 years. The first 6 years my bathroom was outside regardless if there was a tropical storm of not. My shower was a water hose. Our stove was the wood we cut for the fire.

I recommend staying at a home stay and be humbled. I love Yap and you will too. The best fishing in the world inside and outside the reef. Kafel & Kammagar.

My experience in Yap is not nearly as extensive as yours. I have been there for a total of about a month over 3 stays. That includes a homestay in Kaday. The living conditions were very much as you described and the whole home was smaller than the master bedroom suite in my house.

I learned a lot about their culture and food, and they had questions for me. The whole extended family came by to meet me. In fact, the whole village knew a lot about me before I even arrived. When the tourists from the hotels came over for the evening dance, I was considered a "villager." When it was time to leave, the family was at the airport to see me off with a lai.

I would not want somebody reading this to get the wrong idea. I wasn't humbled. I was an honored guest in their home. It was a great experience that I would suggest to anyone visiting Yap that wants to meet the people on their terms.