Guam

The blog was mostly on hiatus for the summer because of all the wonderful travel opportunities I've had while living in Japan.  My store was closed for one month, so I was able to Space A to Guam for almost a week.  With only 7 passengers on the plane, I arrived at Andersen AFB where I was met by our friends who live on the Navy Base in Santa Rita.  Since the island is quite small (approximately 30 miles long and 4 miles wide) and no major highways, its still a relatively short trek from base to base (normally 40 minutes without traffic). 

Guam is the largest of The Mariana Islands and is full of lush jungle, fantastic weather, warm water temperatures (about 85 degree Fahrenheit), terrific Chamorro food, and a relaxed island life.  While many tourists visit Guam for shopping, there are also a variety of things to do and see around the island.  I was fortunate to have friends that were wonderful hosts and tour guides, so I saw probably much more had we had gone there on our own.  Here are some of the highlights and recommendations I have if you ever have a chance to go there:

Go Snorkeling

No only is the water warm, there are many locations on Guam to snorkel.  Some of the best snorkeling I did was down at Gab Gab Beach on the Navy Base.  Equipped with diving boots I was able to venture down the stairs into the water at Gab Gab and literally see a ton of fish.  There are also many dive boats for people who want to snorkel and dive.  Best thing about this is that you don't need to bother with a wetsuit.  There is supposed to be great diving and I presume snorkeling on Saipan...another of the Mariana Islands that I'd like to visit while we still live in Asia.

Chamorro Village on Wednesday Night

This was a terrific night market with tons of food, crafts, vendors and entertainment.  I had some of the best BBQ there, and got to pose with a crab and a old guy wearing a native costume.  The location is easy to find along the main highway, and well worth checking out.

Chamorro BBQ.

Tumon Bay and Two Lovers Point

Tumon Bay was inundated with a lot of tourists.  It is close to the airport, to the major hotels and to shopping.  The beach is nice, and you can take a bit of a walk to some of the area restaurants.  Not far from Tumon Bay is the popular Two Lovers Point.  We went for sunset and the view was spectacular.  The monument is set high on the cliff and boasts an ancient tale about two young lovers.  Kind of a Romeo and Juliet type of story with a tragic ending.  The scenery and grounds were breathtaking.

Hotels along Tumon Bay.

The southernmost part of the island is also worth checking out.  There are villages, lookouts, tons of history, a chance to see or ride a carabao (not caribou), and a trip to Jeff's Pirate Cove restaurant in Talofofo.  We didn't eat at the restaurant, but I did shop in their gift store which has some interesting things.  Overall, my experience in Guam was fantastic.  So much to see and do.