In recent months, the
PVA Palauan and International Night Markets have grown to be one of the regular
social events frequented by many locals.
Interestingly, the Night Markets have taken a life of their own as
represented in the different age groups and ethnicity, including our foreign
guests or tourists, found at Bethlehem Park on any given night market. Some come for the cultural activities such as
local dance performances, arts & crafts, dine on local and international
cuisines, or just to socialize with family and friends while enjoying fresh and
healthy local cuisines.
At the last
International Night Market on September 5th featuring “Asia in Palau”, we witnessed several new
trends. A couple from Austria, Barbara
and Daniel, got the opportunity to learn more about Palau’s rich culture and
history direct from the locals. The
young couple are avid divers and this led them to learn about Palau’s pristine
waters and bountiful marine life. Based
on their research, they booked a 10 day trip to Palau that included 2 days in
Koror and 7 days in Peleliu for diving.
Barbara and Daniel stopped
by the International Night market on September 5th and shared a
table with none other than Did ra Ngmatel Men’s Group headed by
Adelbairekeseuaol Harry R. Fritz.
Introductions were made all around the table and the group took it upon
themselves to share with the couple, a verbal tour of Palau’s fresh local
foods, rich culture and colorful history.
Did ra Ngmatel Men’s Group is a regular presence at the night markets
where they invite tourist from Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea, and others to sit
with them ensuring that our tourists gain a deeper understanding of Palau. Add this “personal
connection” to the pristine marine environment that the tourists come to
see, surely they all return home with fond memories and a deeper appreciation
of their visit to Palau.
Yet another interesting
new trend is the presence of the whole family including young children at the
night markets. Mr. Leonard “Gork”
Basilius got home from work and knowing there will be a night market that
evening, requested his daughter to get Jordan
ready as they were going to enjoy live music at the night market. Knowing how crowded the events usually get,
Gork brought his 1 year old grandson along with a spiffy tricycle in tow. The
tricycle has a built-in handle for an adult to push and steer while a toddler
sits back and enjoys the ride.
According to Gork, he
wanted his grandson to experience the many activities available at the night
markets including the traditional dance performances, live music, and other
activities on the main stage. He says it
is also an opportunity for his grandson to learn social skills by observing the
many participants at the event. In an
amused way, Gork also went on to mention that the night markets are now a
regular family event where many local parents free their calendars on Friday
nights ensuring the whole family attends the night markets for the chance to
enjoy healthy local foods prepared fresh, local dance performances, and of
course live music.
Trends like these go a
long way in promoting Palau’s tourism products such as the Night Markets. It was truly a pleasure to observe Barbara and
Daniel enjoying and learning from the Did ra Ngmatel Men’s Group. It was also a nice surprise to see Gork and
Jordan bringing new innovation to our events.
See you all at the next Night Market brought to you by PVA.
Did ra Ngmatel Men’s Group sharing Palauan
culture with Barbara and Daniel from Austria.
Gork and grandson Jordan enjoying
International Night Market.
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