Palau has it all: multitudes of breathtaking islands, a friendly people, low population density, some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, and all for very reasonable prices. Palau is not on a crossroads to anywhere, which means visitors don't stumble upon it accidentally. This results in the fortunate consequence that anyone you meet in Palau is there because they, like you, are determined to see such wondrous beauty with their own eyes.

As with many places in the Pacific, most international flights arrive in Palau late at night. I've never understood the planning behind such schedules, since Palau is best seen from the air -- in daylight! I couldn't wait for sunrise the next morning, and as soon as it was light I raced outside to explore. The view below was my first glimpse of Palau. I knew right away that I had found a slice of heaven.

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On the left, a Palauan performer.
On the right and below, some aerial shots of the breathtaking Rock Islands. In a display of ultimate extravagance, I was so captivated by this view that I actually bought two plane tickets so that I could enjoy the ride twice.

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One way to poke into the hidden labyrinth of Palau's many islands is by sea kayak. A full day kayak tour will leave you sore later, but the shoulder aches are worth the price to explore such pristine areas away from any signs of the outside world. We snorkeled in this placid lagoon and found it to be a calm refuge for baby sharks. A large lionfish eyed us from the shadows under the ledge to the left.

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Another advantage of sightseeing by kayak is the way it brings the visitor up close to the plethora of WWII bombs that litter the island chain. After gliding in the water past the rusted hulk of a mostly-submerged Japanese tank, we came across a stash of abandoned bombs and other war paraphernalia.

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The southern part of the country saw some of the fiercest fighting between the US and Japan in World War II. The island of Peleliu is littered with war wreckage; below is one of the many tank hulls that are found scattered practically everywhere one looks.

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Old guns mounted in the hillsides still stand in silent tribute to the past.

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Graves of the war dead remind everyone of the sacrifices paid in blood.

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One last moment of respite before the dream is finished and I have to return to the real world.