I visited the then US Trust Territory of the Pacific as a member of an underwater scientific underwater expedition.

Our expedition took us to Nukuoro, in the Eastern Caroline Islands.  These are the only true Polynesian islands in what was then Micronesia.

In recent years I have read where anthropologists have traced Polynesian DNA to eastern Taiwan aborigines.  Many now believe the Polynesian culture began here in Taiwan and migrated throughout the Pacific.

The son of little Balu balu (pictured) is at university in Taipei!

His mother lives in Arizona, USA.

An American Peace Corps volunteer who spent three or more years on Nukuoro (and who I exchange notes with) called her this week and was delighted to hear the same ‘little girl laugh’ remained,  41 years later!

How amazing to be able to learn this after many years.

I look forward to meeting the son of little Balu balu for dinner in Taipei.