There have not been many opportunities to witness the sight of President Chen Shui-bian (
Yesterday scores of onlookers, including groups of Taiwanese tourists in Palau and members of the press, accompanied Chen as he made his first attempt at "diving" during the second day of his state visit to Palau, a South Pacific nation famous for its diving spots.
PHOTO:CNA
"I am a bit nervous," Chen said in reply to reporters' questions. Mindful that Chen was not able to swim, an assistant had prepared a flotation board for Chen to grab on to while in the water.
Joining Chen in the water was Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General James Huang (
With a number of security personnel paddling in the water around Chen and amid cheers from onlookers, Chen appeared stiff and hesitant before beginning to enjoy his first snorkeling experience, spending about 15 minutes with his body and head partially submerged as his hands held on to the board.
"The scenery underwater was very attractive," Chen said after emerging from the water in Nikko Bay.
"My wife said that she will come next time [to Palau] as well. Although it will be a bit inconvenient because she is disabled, she has heard that Palau has the appropriate equipment and assistance for disabled people who are interested in diving," he said.
At the invitation of Palauan President Tommy Remengesau, Chen then headed to Dolphin Pacific Park by speedboat, driven by Remengesau, where he watched a dolphin show and received a kiss from a dolphin on his cheek.
Chen also visited the construction site of the Royal Palau Hotel. The hotel, which is expected to be completed in June, will be the newest addition to a number of hotels built by Taiwanese. The others are the Palasia Hotel Palau, Airai View Hotel and Papago Hotel.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwanese tourists comprise more than 60 percent of the estimated 70,000 tourists who visit Palau each year.
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