diving7seas
solely for pictures of mandarin fish – there is a category called „ country and people “. An example for motives fitting in this category are the famous men ’ s houses where the leaders of the respective tribes once met . At each trip to the dive sites you can see at least one of these houses on the shore . The men houses as well as the beaches of the various tribes of Yap are still private property . Therfore , without registration and permission no stranger is allowed to trespass . After all , until today traditions are kept high in spite of all openness to diving tourism . Hardly any other tourists ever come to Yap anyway .
All children therefore learn the rites and tribal dances of the island , not for the holidaymakers who come to Yap , but to carry the cultural heritage into the future . This also applies to the legendary stone money . The almost surreal huge and incredibly heavy coins , the largest of whichh weigh several tons , stand in the forest along an ancient pathway . They were never moved since ancient times and remain at their position , even if the owner changes . It is remarkable to say the least that these stone coins are still a valid currency used to pay houses , land and rights .
Even though modernity has had an influence on the main island of Yap State like on practically every other place in the world , people not only in the far-off Outer Islands but here as well are clinging on to their living traditions . Traditions that all diving tourists meet with great respect .
Fortunately , however , modern times and sheer coincidence brought scuba diving to Yap . ry
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