Aur: The Hidden Gem of the Marshall Islands

• HelloYokwe
  [yok-weh]
• GoodbyeKommol tata
  [koh-mohl tah-tah]
• YesEo
  [eh-oh]
• NoJab
  [jahb]
• Please/You're welcomeKommol
  [koh-mohl]
• Thank youKommol tata
  [koh-mohl tah-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryJal ba
  [jahl bah]
• How are you?Eo im kwejela?
  [eh-oh eem kweh-jeh-lah]
• Fine. And you?Jen in kwe?
  [jehn een kweh]
• Do you speak English?Eo im kajjela ijo English?
  [eh-oh eem kah-jeh-lah ee-joh English]
• I don't understandJab im jinoinoino
  [jahb eem jee-noy-noy-noy-noh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEo ej jab menju rej etal, kommol
  [eh-oh ey jahb mehn-joo rey eh-tahl, koh-mohl]
• I don't eat meatJab im jerbal jidik
  [jahb eem jehr-bahl jee-deek]
• Cheers!Uran
  [oo-rahn]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEo ej jab emaron, kommol
  [eh-oh ey jahb eh-mah-rohn, koh-mohl]

• Help!Aolep
  [ah-oh-lehp]
• Go away!Kwalok
  [kwah-lohk]
• Call the Police!Kutok Police!
  [koo-tohk Police!]
• Call a doctor!Kutok dokta!
  [koo-tohk dohk-tah!]
• I'm lostJab im jidik
  [jahb eem jee-deek]
• I'm illJab im kwe
  [jahb eem kweh]

• I'd like to buy...Eo ej jab buy...
  [eh-oh ey jahb buy...]
• I'm just lookingJab im jabdewot
  [jahb eem jahb-deh-woht]
• How much is it?Ke ejan kwe?
  [keh eh-jahn kweh]
• That's too expensiveKe kwe in jidik
  [keh kweh een jee-deek]
• Can you lower the price?Eo ej jab ewor, kommol?
  [eh-oh ey jahb eh-wor, koh-mohl?]

• What time is it?Ke ejan kwe?
  [keh eh-jahn kweh]
• It's one o'clockJedik aikuj
  [jeh-deek ah-ee-kooj]
• Half past (10)Kwe in kile
  [kweh een kee-leh]
• MorningKoero
  [koh-eh-roh]
• AfternoonJinedik
  [jee-neh-deek]
• EveningJino
  [jee-noh]
• YesterdayJiban
  [jee-bahn]
• TodayJidik
  [jee-deek]
• TomorrowJitok
  [jee-tohk]
• 1Aikuj
  [ah-ee-kooj]
• 2Lijerbal
  [lee-jehr-bahl]
• 3Jilu
  [jee-loo]
• 4Jilonan
  [jee-loh-nahn]
• 5Jiku
  [jee-koo]
• 6Jim̧o
  [jee-moh]
• 7Jibaj
  [jee-bahj]
• 8Jito
  [jee-toh]
• 9Jilolok
  [jee-loh-lohk]
• 10Jidikuj
  [jee-dee-kooj]

• Where's a/the...?Ke ejan...
  [keh eh-jahn...]
• What's the address?Ke ejan aolep
  [keh eh-jahn ah-oh-lehp]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Eo ej jab wot im (ri lok map)?
  [eh-oh ey jahb woht eem (ree lohk map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Ke etal aikuj (bus)?
  [keh eh-tahl ah-ee-kooj (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jab im jerbal (eto ....)
  [jahb eem jehr-bahl (eh-toh ....)]

Aur Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands, has been inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples for centuries. The early settlers were skilled navigators and fishermen who relied on the rich marine life and the abundant resources of the atoll. The oral traditions and archaeological findings suggest that Aur was an important stopover for voyagers traversing the Pacific Ocean.

In the late 19th century, the Marshall Islands, including Aur Atoll, came under German control as part of the broader colonial push in the Pacific. The Germans established a protectorate over the islands in 1885. During this time, they introduced new administrative structures and attempted to exploit the natural resources of the region, including copra production from coconut plantations.

After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles granted Japan control over the Marshall Islands, including Aur Atoll. During World War II, the Japanese fortified many of the islands, anticipating Allied attacks. Aur Atoll, however, remained relatively quiet compared to other parts of the Marshall Islands which saw significant military action. Despite this, the presence of Japanese forces influenced local life and left a lasting impact on the region.

Following Japan's defeat in World War II, the Marshall Islands came under U.S. administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. This period saw significant changes in infrastructure, education, and governance. Aur Atoll, like other parts of the Marshall Islands, experienced increased interaction with the outside world, leading to both opportunities and challenges for the local communities.

The Marshall Islands gained independence in 1986 under the Compact of Free Association with the United States. Since then, Aur Atoll has navigated the complexities of self-governance, economic development, and cultural preservation. Modern developments have brought improvements in healthcare, education, and connectivity, while traditional practices and customs continue to play a vital role in daily life on the atoll.

Aur Atoll is rich in cultural heritage, with traditions that have been passed down through generations. The local population continues to practice traditional crafts such as weaving and canoe building. Festivals and rituals, often centered around the lunar calendar, reflect the deep connection between the people and their environment. The preservation of the Marshallese language and oral histories remains a priority for the community.

Aur Atoll is located in the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands. The most common way to get there is by flying into Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands. From Majuro, you can take a domestic flight with Air Marshall Islands to Aur. These flights are not daily, so it's important to check the schedule in advance. Alternatively, you can arrange for a boat transfer, which can be an adventurous but longer option.

Aur is a small atoll, and most of its areas can be explored on foot. There are no formal public transport systems on the atoll. For longer distances, locals typically use boats to travel between islands within the atoll. If you need to charter a boat, it’s best to make arrangements with local guides or through your accommodation.

The official currency of the Marshall Islands is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit card facilities are extremely limited, so it is advisable to carry sufficient cash for your entire trip. There are no ATMs on Aur, so make sure to withdraw enough money in Majuro before heading to the atoll. Be prepared for a largely cash-based economy.

Aur is generally very safe for tourists, and crime rates are extremely low. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as keeping your belongings secure and avoiding isolated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists on Aur.

In case of an emergency, it is crucial to have a plan as medical and emergency services are limited on Aur. For medical emergencies, contact the local health dispensary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For serious emergencies, assistance will likely need to come from Majuro. Always carry a charged mobile phone with local emergency contacts saved.

Fashion: Do dress modestly in respect of local customs. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices and customs. Attend church services if invited. Public Transport: There is no formal public transport; do arrange boat transfers in advance. Greetings: Do greet people warmly, a simple 'Yokwe' (hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, and always accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Aur like a local, engage with the community and participate in local events and church services. Visit local markets to buy handmade crafts and traditional foods. Fishing and snorkeling are popular activities, and locals are often willing to share their knowledge and techniques. Respect the environment by not littering and following local guidelines for waste disposal.