GUAM. Have you heard of it? When I was a teenager and went to school abroad, there were very little people who knew about Guam – I could count them on one hand. And now, living in the United States, there are still many people who have no idea about it. This is what I want to talk about.
Guam is a tiny island in the west Pacific and part of the Mariana Islands which include Guam, Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Of these islands Guam is the largest. People from the other islands go there to do their shopping (not every day but often) especially because there is still a K-Mart! And a Ross! Which generates so much revenue!
Guam depends on tourism to boost and sustain the economy. Without it, Guam will suffer. As a result, it gets people from all over the world going there to visit. A big amount of these people are from Japan but there are also people from Korea, Philippines, India, China, North America, and the “outer” islands such as Chuuk, Palau, Phonpei, Kosrae. There are also a small amount of Europeans.
It is only 30 miles long and 7 miles wide, at the narrowest point. This means you can tour the whole island in a day (ok, less!) We call it “a drive around the island” so when we want to stroll, we say, “Ayyy, let’s go around the island.” From the middle of the island to the south tip it takes about 30 minutes, if we take our time and if there’s not a lot of traffic. From the middle to the north part of the island, it takes just as long. But along the way you will not be disappointed, even with the traffic because your view will most likely be beautiful beaches, rolling mountains, and stunning skies.
The people (if you’re native to Guam) and the language, are called Chamorro. Usually, outsiders are called Guamanians but only if they were born and raised or stayed for a long time. In the world there are good and bad people everywhere and everyone claims they are the best people so I’ll have to say the same of mine 🙂 We are usually very friendly and hospitable. One of our friendly ways is to nod to say hi. “Hafa Adai” is our island welcome and hello.
Sadly the language is not as strong as it should be. We speak English with a slang of our own. After the war in the 1940’s students weren’t allowed to speak Chamorro and that’s how and when the language started dying. Now it is mandatory in schools that everyone take a Chamorro Language class so it’s coming back. Some professors have also revised the language to be true Chamorro instead of the Spanish mix that used to be. It’s kind of weird but also much better to know the ancient true words. It’s just a matter of having to get used to it.
We take pride in the food we make. Our dishes are full of spice. We cook a lot of our dishes with soy sauce and hot chili peppers. Our signature dish is called, “kelaguen” which is a meat (usually chicken, but can be also beef, shrimp, fish, spam, or liver) marinated in lemon and mixed with onions and/or green onions, salt, grated coconut and hot peppers. The hotter, the better! We like to eat that with what we call titiyas (tortillas), which can be either wrapped or on the side. If on the side we would use it as a spoon to pick up the kelaguen. Finadenne’ is our signature sauce. It is spicy and always on the table whether at a party or at home.
Speaking of parties, we are one to make sure the table is FULL. Fiestas and parties or some kind of “happening” (as we call it) will be available somewhere so one can never go hungry on Guam. There’s no such thing as a small get-together either. The table will always end up with a full spread of food. Oh and be careful when you attend one of these happenings because the host will make sure you try everything and that you leave full. Even if you just ate, expect to be invited to the table time and time again until you do try something. And when you leave, you will be invited to take some “balutan” home. We don’t believe in not sending people home without food!
Respecting our elders is a big thing on Guam, making sure that the first thing we do when entering a happening is to look for them to “amen” (that’s “a” with the short vowel) or “fanginge”, and then do it again when we leave.
So these are just some of the things that makes Guam so special! I often hear it from many visitors. But not only this, it’s the FEEL of it. It comes from a place in the heart, a warmth that won’t be forgotten. It is close-knit, safe, chill and peaceful.
Marine Corps Drive, East Agana, Guam.
My Beautiful Island. Bonitu na isla.
Guam. Guahan.
I love you so much! Sen Guiya Hao!
Oh and btw, if you have time check out the things I have for sale in my Ecwid store! Click on “store” on the menu above.
THANKS FOR VISITING!
I love it & all the pictures you took on your own to personalize it. The Christmas one with you & G, Talofofo Falls of Tytus & Jewel. The picture of the sunset, is one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Thank you 🙂