Wōn (turtle)

There are sea turtles all over the region although I have yet to see one.  I hope to see one before I leave.

The Marshallese people eat turtles at big events such as a kemen (baby's first birthday), funerals, etc... We were warned during orientation that if we see a turtle lying upside down on their shell on land, we have to leave it alone although we would want to turn it back right side up and let it go.  It is a dishonor to Marshallese people if we did that.  Fortunately I haven't seen any upside down turtles or been served turtle meat.  People on the outer islands have talked about their experience with that. 

On Saturday, I was riding in the back of a truck to get to Laura beach.  While riding through Ajeltake, I saw four men carry a turtle onto the bed of a pick up truck.  It was already dead and upside down.  I was thrilled to finally see a turtle outside of aquariums and zoos.  I still hope to see a live turtle in its natural habitat.