From Sky to Sea and In Between, My Trip to Palau Micronesia

Sometimes when I travel I take my camera with me everywhere. Other times I leave it at home so I can be fully present and enjoy the moments. Palau was a mix of the two. I brought my camera out some days (notably those that allowed me to try underwater photography), and other days I just brought my phone with me.

Below is a mix of photos taken with the Canon 5D MKIII, iPhone, and Lumix waterproof camera.

I started my trip with an aerial tour with Pacific Mission Aviation. They are a non-profit specializing in disaster relief and medical evacuation in the islands. When they aren’t doing that they offer scenic flights.

Beach day with the locals. This is one of the reasons I like traveling alone – it forces you to meet new people!

Underwater photography is hard. I’m learning. 🙂

Jellyfish Lake. The jellies have been isolated in this marine lake for so long that they lost their ability to sting.

Kyle and Maya are scuba instructors in Palau. They aren’t a couple (just roommates) but I asked if they could kiss for me underwater for a photo. They couldn’t stop laughing. Good sports they were.

Mac – my favorite tour guide! Love him.

Natural spa treatment at the Milky Way lagoon. Or maybe it’s just fish poo.

Lots of remnants from WWII. B33 bombers, sunken ships, and even 70-year old Japanese beer bottles littered throughout the jungle. It’s so gnarly that I felt like I was at a theme park!

Sea cucumber. To eat these, all you have to do is squeeze and an orangy snotty substance comes out its butt (that’s the poo). Then once the poo comes out it turns into a clear snotty substance. That you can eat. I said, “I promise I’ll make this look appropriate.” The photographer said, “Ugh. Please don’t.”

My mom told me before my trip, “I am going to discourage you from diving. It’s dangerous.” Sorry love you bye.

I’m quite graceful on land but probably the least graceful person underwater. I’ll just sit here and drink this beer.

Island life. <3

The cutest baby pineapple I’ve ever seen.

I went to Micronesia primarily for pleasure but got some work in while I was there. To see a wedding shoot I did at the Palau Pacific Resort, click here.