Christmas in Palau

[Sorrows]

Three weeks to go...can't believe it's almost here.

So we will be in Palau for Christmas and here's a question I doubt has ever been asked here before: Where can we go to church on Christmas Eve?

I don't really care about the denomination. We attend Catholic Mass in Bonaire when we go there for the holidays, but we aren't Catholic. Actually look at church-going on a dive vacation as a cultural thing--and a chance to meet some of the local people. Also Christmas without choirs and music just seems wrong.
Any suggestions? And how do we get to this church?

My 2nd question has probably been asked and answered before, but...where should we go for Christmas dinner? Or, which restaurant would you recommend for a fine holiday meal? Again, don't really care what kind of cuisine, just would like something a bit more memorable than the usual.

Thanking you in advance

 

[vladimir]

That's easy: in Palau, they combine the religious observance with the dinner, so just go to your local house of worship...and bring a goat.

 

[Deep Water Dan]

Can't answer your question for you, but we'll see you there. We'll be in Palau from the 20th-27th.

 

[Sorrows]

Vladimir, that sounds awesome, but where are the local houses of worship? I looked at the Palau yellow pages, and couldn't find any. Do the hotels help guests who want to go to church, I wonder--do they have a list or somethig like that?

DWD, we're staying at the Sea Passion and diving with Sam's. So perhaps we will see each other there.

 

[Deep Water Dan]

Palau has Yellow Pages?

We'll be at the Sea Passion and diving at Sam's also.

 

[Sorrows]

17 days and counting! Can hardly wait!

 

[Kevrumbo]

Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Koror, Palau. Rectory/Parish Office (from Yellow Pages): (680) 488-2226

(Large Church can be seen to the left from main road coming from Babeldaop-Koror Friendship Bridge: look to the left again for image of the Sacred Heart painted on a stone wall marker, and turn left into driveway leading up to the church on top of the hill. . .)

Mass Schedule: 5pm Sat; 7am Sun.

Rock Island Cafe had a big & delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Plate --white & dark meat; mashed potatoes & gravy; cranberry sauce & a roll for $8.25 (including iced tea and choice of apple, cherry or pumpkin pie for dessert). . .

 

[Sorrows]

Thanks, Kevrumbo. Now why couldn't I find that listing in the online yellow pages, I wonder?

Two weeks to go....yippeee!

 

[Kevrumbo]

Well . . .the Yellow Pages just has " Rectory/Parish Office: (680) 488-2226" under Catholic Missions; I'm assuming that's the Sacred Heart Parish Church in Koror (488 prefix).

Took a hike today into Koror from Malakal Harbor/West Plaza Hotel . . .Sacred Heart Church didn't have a Christmas Mass time schedule posted yet.

Again directions coming from the Airport and Babeldaop-Koror Friendship Bridge on the main road, look for the Maris Stella Catholic School on the left. The Sacred Heart Church driveway is immediately afterward.

They did have a very nice choir when I attended Xmas Mass here in Koror eight years ago. . .

Have a wonderful time Sorrows!
Say hi to the resident Bull Shark at Peleliu Cut for me if he shows up (you definitely can't miss seeing something that big when he does appear:shocked2: !)

 

[Sorrows]

Kevrumbo, do I really want to exchange greetings with a Bull Shark?

Thanks for your good wishes! I hope you are having an outstanding time!

Any last advice to give us? Things to add on the "must-have" packing list? Restaurant suggestions I may not have heard yet? What's the weather like right now?