Kolonia: Gateway to Micronesian Wonders

• HelloKaselehlia
  [kah-seh-leh-lee-ah]
• GoodbyeKalahngan
  [kah-lahng-gahn]
• YesOor
  [ohr]
• NoUwe
  [oo-weh]
• Please/You're welcomeKulo
  [koo-loh]
• Thank youKinisou
  [kee-nee-soo]
• Excuse me/SorryKilisou
  [kee-lee-soo]
• How are you?Kaselehlia?
  [kah-seh-leh-lee-ah]
• Fine. And you?Kalahngan. Kahngan me ook?
  [kah-lahng-gahn. kahng-gahn meh ohk]
• Do you speak English?Ewe oungesea English?
  [eh-weh oh-uhn-geh-seh-ah English]
• I don't understandOor kasangkinei
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseOor kasangkinei menu, kulo
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay menu, koo-loh]
• I don't eat meatOor kasangkinei won pwal
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay wohn pwahl]
• Cheers!Mwahng!
  [mwahng]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOor kasangkinei kilang, kulo
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay kee-lahng, koo-loh]

• Help!Kalahngan!
  [kah-lahng-gahn]
• Go away!Eri elap!
  [eh-ree eh-lahp]
• Call the Police!Ewe mwe ngori Police!
  [eh-weh mwuh n-goh-ree Police]
• Call a doctor!Ewe mwe ngori doctor!
  [eh-weh mwuh n-goh-ree doctor]
• I'm lostOor kinangang
  [ohr kee-nahng-ahng]
• I'm illOor kinangang
  [ohr kee-nahng-ahng]

• I'd like to buy...Oor kasangkinei kinoung
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay kee-noh-uhng]
• I'm just lookingOor kasangkinei pwungaw
  [ohr kah-sahng-kee-nay poo-wuhng-ahw]
• How much is it?Seik
  [sayk]
• That's too expensiveMwetei tori
  [mwuh-tay toh-ree]
• Can you lower the price?Ewe mwe eni mwo?
  [eh-weh mwuh eh-nee mwuh]

• What time is it?Seilong nting
  [say-lawng nteeng]
• It's one o'clockNtingi amwan
  [ntee-ng ee ahm-wahn]
• Half past (10)Ntingi kohsou (10)
  [ntee-ng ee koh-soo (10)]
• MorningMwahng
  [mwahng]
• AfternoonKilang
  [kee-lahng]
• EveningNtingi ening
  [ntee-ng ee-ning]
• YesterdayNtingi kowahla
  [ntee-ng ee koh-wah-lah]
• TodayNtingi aramas
  [ntee-ng ee ah-rah-mahs]
• TomorrowNtingi kapinga
  [ntee-ng ee kah-peen-gah]
• 1Amwan
  [ahm-wahn]
• 2Kosou
  [koh-soo]
• 3Kolohsou
  [koh-loh-soo]
• 4Amwahu
  [ahm-wah-hoo]
• 5Ngidol
  [ng-ee-dohl]
• 6Ngonou
  [ng-oh-noh]
• 7Amwaluk
  [ahm-wah-luhk]
• 8Kosouluh
  [koh-soo-luh]
• 9Kolohsouluh
  [koh-loh-soo-luh]
• 10Amwahuwah
  [ahm-wah-hoo-wah]

• Where's a/the...?Ewe ndahng?
  [eh-weh ndah-ng]
• What's the address?Ewe ntingi aras?
  [eh-weh nteeng ee ah-rahss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ewe mwe ntingi kilang (pwe kohsou)?
  [eh-weh mwuh nteeng ee kee-lahng (pweh koh-soo)]
• When's the next (bus)?Seilong ntingi ngori (bus)?
  [say-lawng nteeng ee n-goh-ree bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Ntingi kilang (to ....)
  [ntee-ng ee kee-lahng (to ....)]

Kolonia, located on the island of Pohnpei, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the island was settled as early as 2,000 years ago. The early inhabitants constructed impressive megalithic structures, including the famous Nan Madol site, which served as a ceremonial and political center.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the Caroline Islands, including Pohnpei. Kolonia was established as a colonial outpost in the 1880s. The Spanish influence can still be seen in some of the architectural remnants and place names in the area.

Following the Spanish-American War, Spain sold its Micronesian territories to Germany in 1899. Under German rule, Kolonia became the administrative center of the island. The Germans introduced new agricultural practices and infrastructure improvements, which had a lasting impact on the local economy and development.

During World War I, Japan took control of Pohnpei and other Micronesian islands from Germany. Kolonia became an important hub for the Japanese administration, and the town saw significant development during this period, including the construction of schools, roads, and other infrastructure.

World War II brought significant changes to Kolonia. The island was heavily bombed by Allied forces, and many of the Japanese structures were destroyed. After the war, Pohnpei, including Kolonia, came under American administration as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The U.S. influence led to further development and modernization of the town.

In 1986, the Federated States of Micronesia, including Pohnpei and Kolonia, gained independence through the Compact of Free Association with the United States. Kolonia has since grown as the capital of Pohnpei State, blending traditional Micronesian culture with modern influences. Today, it serves as a vibrant center for government, commerce, and culture in the region.

Kolonia, located on Pohnpei Island in the Federated States of Micronesia, is accessible primarily by air. The main entry point is Pohnpei International Airport (PNI), which receives flights from major hubs such as Guam and Honolulu. United Airlines operates regular flights to Pohnpei. Once you arrive at the airport, Kolonia is just a short taxi ride away.

Kolonia is a small town, making it easy to navigate on foot. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Car rentals are also an option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Public transport is limited, but local buses do operate on main routes. For water travel, local boats and ferries can take you to nearby islands.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is still the most common form of payment. ATMs are available in Kolonia, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas.

Kolonia is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kolonia. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kolonia like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Micronesian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting historical sites like the Spanish Wall and the Nan Madol ruins. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the nearby atolls and enjoy snorkeling in the pristine waters.