Country 2 - Federated States of Micronesia

Our next culinary adventure takes us to the Federated States of Micronesia, a Pacific paradise of over 600 islands scattered across dazzling turquoise waters northeast of Indonesia. For those of us who love the water (read: me), Micronesia is a SCUBA diver’s paradise. Its coral reefs are alive with marine life—giant clams, reef sharks, and technicolor fish. Chuuk Lagoon, in particular, is a world-famous diving site with over 50 shipwrecks left from World War II. It’s been almost 20 years since my last dive, but I’m already dreaming about donning the gear again.

When people hear "Micronesia," they might think of the entire region, which includes a vast collection of islands spread across the western Pacific Ocean. Micronesia the region consists of thousands of islands divided into several independent nations and territories, including Palau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Guam, and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), as well as others. The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is just one part of this broader region. FSM is a sovereign country made up of four main states—Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. While it’s politically and culturally distinct, FSM shares historical and cultural ties with the larger Micronesian region.

photo credit https://mythology.guru/micronesia-mythology/

Nan Madol
photo credit https://www.thearchaeologist.org/

Micronesia isn’t just about sandy beaches—it’s a land of contrasts. The high islands, like Pohnpei and Kosrae, boast rugged mountains, dense rainforests, and waterfalls you can hike to. They’re also home to incredible ancient ruins, like Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the “Venice of the Pacific.”  Colonization brought a mix of influences from Spain, Germany, Japan, and the U.S., making FSM a vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern twists. 

Of course, no trip would be complete without diving into the food! Micronesian cuisine is a delicious mix of island staples like taro, yam, and breadfruit, often cooked in underground ovens. Fresh seafood is everywhere—grilled, raw, or simmered in coconut milk. And let’s not forget pigs (for feasts) and chicken (for every day).  And then there’s the unforgettable scenery of a meal on the beach. Unfortunately, there's a polar vortex on it's way to the Midwest so we’ll stick to our kitchen for this meal.

When they’re not splashing in lagoons, Micronesian kids turn their islands into the ultimate playground. Coconut husking races, climbing competitions, and other games that blend fun with survival skills are part of the mix. Storytelling is also huge, with tales of trickster gods and fearless navigators passed down through generations. I can already see my youngest declaring a family coconut race (and probably getting stuck halfway up the palm tree). It’s a reminder that you don’t need gadgets or screens to spark joy—just a good story and a coconut or two.

Resources:

• https://www.thearchaeologist.org/blog/secrets-of-nan-madol-the-800-year-old-city-of-spirits-built-on-coral-reefs
• https://biodb.com/region/micronesia/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_States_of_Micronesia
• https://mythology.guru/micronesia-mythology/