Our friend Corinna came by on Friday to pick us up and show us around. First, we headed to Cost U Less, a warehouse store like Sam's or BJ's. I was pleased to see they carried a lot of the same products that I buy at home. Of course, everything cost about 25% more, but at least there's no annual fee. Then we got to see the University of Guam campus while she dropped off paperwork. I asked her lots of questions and took some notes. We experienced our first jug handle, as turning left on Rte. 4 was not allowed. What a weird experience!
We passed by Agana shopping center and Yogurtland, which would soon become one of our favorite places to stop for a treat (and definitely the most affordable). Then we headed to Micronesia Mall. We parked in the garage and entered at the food court, which had the usual offerings--Sbarro, Subway, Burger King--and more Asian fast food places than I had ever seen in one place. How would we know which one to try? We saw an area that looked like a video arcade and entered to find bumper cars, kiddie rides, and even an indoor roller coaster with tracks way up in the air. The kids thought that was too cool! It even went through a tunnel. They talked me into letting them ride it, so I bought the tickets only to learn that Sarah Kate was too small to ride without an adult. Since I didn't want to feel sick the rest of the afternoon, Corinna agreed to ride with them. They loved it! I was really glad I didn't ride after hearing Luke complain of his neck hurting afterwards.
We grabbed a bite to eat before heading out. Didn't get to see any more of the mall, but I did learn we'd find two Macy's there, one for men and kids and one for ladies and housewares, as well as a Payless Supermarket, my best bet for organic offerings on Guam. Thank you, Miss Corinna, for showing us around! My kids love you!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
No barriers
After our day out, we decided to spend day 3 relaxing at the resort. While I can't help but notice that we seem to be the only Americans at the Hilton pools, the kids don't let it phase them and make friends with anyone around, whether they speak English or not. They spent the morning playing with a little girl about 4 years old named Kylie and helping with her 2-year-old little sister. The parents (from Japan) were so appreciative and complimented me on how kind and helpful the 3 kids were with her little girls. The mom, Takaei, spoke good English and her husband, Marcus, did, too, but with an Australian accent. Turns out she learned English in the States, where she had spent a year as an exchange student (in Seattle, I believe) and he was from Australia and of Chinese descent. She is a flight attendant for Continental, flying the route from Tokyo to Guam, and they come to Guam on vacation every year. They run a Pacific Rim restaurant in Tokyo where he is the chef. Fascinating! I started asking lots of questions about their business and Japan.
They were able to give us recommendations on where to ski in Japan (Niesko or Furama on the island of Hokkado) and when to come, where to stay, and an idea of prices. I learned that Niesko is more developed while Furama is more in the countryside. They told us about a neat winter festival during the first week of February called the Sopporo Snow Festival. People build castles out of snow and make ice sculptures. They said we could enjoy watching the folks prepare for the snow festival on the days leading up to it and enjoy tubing on the slopes in the town and then head up the mountain to ski when the festival opens and the crowds descend on the town. Marcus said the skiing is cheap ($30-40) lift tickets but fabulous--that Europeans from the Alps were coming there to ski as were folks used to skiing at Whistler and on the best slopes in the US. I learned that 10,000 Yen=$120, very helpful when looking at travel websites that only list prices in Yen. They said there is a hotel there in Niesko Village (the old Hilton) that has a lift coming right into the lobby. How cool is that?! They said we could get great deals at a Bed and Breakfast within 10 minutes walk of the slopes. However, I think he mentioned something about sleeping on Tatami mats on the floor--not so sure I could handle that. And I guess breakfast would be miso soup, fish, tofu, rice, and salad. Apparently, the tsunami was nowhere near this area and the radiation wouldn't be there either. In his opinion, the radiation is higher in Hong Kong than in Tokyo and the surrounding area.
They invited us to come eat in their restaurant and told us about a neat place for kids in Tokyo called Kidszania, where the kids dress up as chefs, fire fighters, police, etc., and pretend to do the different jobs. But they go a step further and the chefs actually make food while the firefighters put out a real fire. They said it is really well-done. They told me about a neat zoo in Asahikawa.
Since they run a restaurant and vacation in Guam annually, I figured they'd be good ones to ask for restaurant recommendations. They suggested Jamaican Grill--great food, reasonable prices, and huge (split it between 2-3 people) portions. They also liked the Dim Sum lunch buffet at the Marriott on Wednesdays and Fortune Cookie for Thai food, saying you could get most anything there prepared mild for the children. And she suggested JoinUs for Japanese Teppanyaki. We must have chatted for over an hour, and I finally got a piece of paper and pen to write it all down so I wouldn't forget. I can't wait to hit the slopes and visit this neat family!
They were able to give us recommendations on where to ski in Japan (Niesko or Furama on the island of Hokkado) and when to come, where to stay, and an idea of prices. I learned that Niesko is more developed while Furama is more in the countryside. They told us about a neat winter festival during the first week of February called the Sopporo Snow Festival. People build castles out of snow and make ice sculptures. They said we could enjoy watching the folks prepare for the snow festival on the days leading up to it and enjoy tubing on the slopes in the town and then head up the mountain to ski when the festival opens and the crowds descend on the town. Marcus said the skiing is cheap ($30-40) lift tickets but fabulous--that Europeans from the Alps were coming there to ski as were folks used to skiing at Whistler and on the best slopes in the US. I learned that 10,000 Yen=$120, very helpful when looking at travel websites that only list prices in Yen. They said there is a hotel there in Niesko Village (the old Hilton) that has a lift coming right into the lobby. How cool is that?! They said we could get great deals at a Bed and Breakfast within 10 minutes walk of the slopes. However, I think he mentioned something about sleeping on Tatami mats on the floor--not so sure I could handle that. And I guess breakfast would be miso soup, fish, tofu, rice, and salad. Apparently, the tsunami was nowhere near this area and the radiation wouldn't be there either. In his opinion, the radiation is higher in Hong Kong than in Tokyo and the surrounding area.
They invited us to come eat in their restaurant and told us about a neat place for kids in Tokyo called Kidszania, where the kids dress up as chefs, fire fighters, police, etc., and pretend to do the different jobs. But they go a step further and the chefs actually make food while the firefighters put out a real fire. They said it is really well-done. They told me about a neat zoo in Asahikawa.
Since they run a restaurant and vacation in Guam annually, I figured they'd be good ones to ask for restaurant recommendations. They suggested Jamaican Grill--great food, reasonable prices, and huge (split it between 2-3 people) portions. They also liked the Dim Sum lunch buffet at the Marriott on Wednesdays and Fortune Cookie for Thai food, saying you could get most anything there prepared mild for the children. And she suggested JoinUs for Japanese Teppanyaki. We must have chatted for over an hour, and I finally got a piece of paper and pen to write it all down so I wouldn't forget. I can't wait to hit the slopes and visit this neat family!
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| Sarah Kate with Kylie |
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| SPLASH! |
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| Slidin's much more fun with two! |
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| Luke doesn't let his black eye stop him |
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| Loving life! |
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| Oops! |
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| Kylie and Sarah Kate--fast friends. |
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| Chillin' out |
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| All together now! |
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| Whee! |
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| Head first. |
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| Zoom! |
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| Cute! |
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Venturing out
Our second day in Guam, we decided to go check out the Navy Base. As I was getting directions from the concierge, I looked up to see one of our new friends that had met us at the airport. She had come to invite us to attend the new church she and her husband were starting. We chatted with her for quite a while, and she offered to show us around the island on Friday. Then we headed out.
Driving in Guam was very easy and much like driving in the US. I stopped to get gas and a young Chamorro gal came up to the window and offered to pump the gas for me--"It's included in the price," she said. Nice! We talked briefly about Guam and how we'd just moved here and she sent us on our way. We get to the base by driving on Marine Corps drive right along the water most of the way. The ocean is less than 20 feet from the road. What a treat!
Our first stop was Lance's office, which looked to be brand new and sat on the top of a hill. He tells me it used to be a school building and has recently been completely renovated. After we picked him up, we continued on in the same direction and discovered the most incredible views less than a minute past his office. Wow! It took 12 photos (4 panoramic shots) to capture the scene.
We headed to the base and saw beautiful blue sea and majestic mountains. Tried to get all of our ID's made. Succeeded with the kids but could not get mine. They need to see a valid marriage license in order to issue me an ID. What is it with that sneaky marriage license? On our wedding day 17 years ago, we forgot to get the preacher to sign it. Six months later (we must have needed it for something official) we discovered it wasn't signed and took it back to him for his signature. He laughed and told us we'd been living in sin for 6 months! Now where did we put that all-important document? Can't they tell by looking at us that we're an old married couple?
After dropping Lance back at work, we went to check out the commissary and the new gym. I had just been reading about the harmful effects of chlorine on the body a day or 2 before coming to Guam. Since I enjoy swimming laps several times a week, I was fretting about swimming in all that chlorine. Upon arriving in Guam, I learned from a new friend at the airport that the new swimming pool on base is a saltwater pool! Another love note from God to me!
While walking through the gym, I spotted a lady that looked really familiar and realized it was one of my Facebook friends whom I had never met. She recognized me right away, too, and we hugged. Then we stood and talked for 20 minutes like old friends. After saying our good-byes, I headed off to take a quick glance at the pool before picking up Lance and ran into another Facebook friend that I recognized but had never met. Chatted with her for a little while, too. So neat! I love Facebook!
Driving in Guam was very easy and much like driving in the US. I stopped to get gas and a young Chamorro gal came up to the window and offered to pump the gas for me--"It's included in the price," she said. Nice! We talked briefly about Guam and how we'd just moved here and she sent us on our way. We get to the base by driving on Marine Corps drive right along the water most of the way. The ocean is less than 20 feet from the road. What a treat!
Our first stop was Lance's office, which looked to be brand new and sat on the top of a hill. He tells me it used to be a school building and has recently been completely renovated. After we picked him up, we continued on in the same direction and discovered the most incredible views less than a minute past his office. Wow! It took 12 photos (4 panoramic shots) to capture the scene.
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| The mountains we see on the Navy base |
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| Views on base |
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| "I lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help" |
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| Views on base |
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| Views on base |
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| On base |
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| The view about 1 minute's drive from Lance's office |
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| Driving down the hill from his office |
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| Lance's office |
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| The first of 4 panoramic shots |
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| Shot #2 moving from left to right |
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| Shot #3--it just keeps going and going |
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| Shot #4--paste them all together and you'll see what we saw. Wow! |
After dropping Lance back at work, we went to check out the commissary and the new gym. I had just been reading about the harmful effects of chlorine on the body a day or 2 before coming to Guam. Since I enjoy swimming laps several times a week, I was fretting about swimming in all that chlorine. Upon arriving in Guam, I learned from a new friend at the airport that the new swimming pool on base is a saltwater pool! Another love note from God to me!
While walking through the gym, I spotted a lady that looked really familiar and realized it was one of my Facebook friends whom I had never met. She recognized me right away, too, and we hugged. Then we stood and talked for 20 minutes like old friends. After saying our good-byes, I headed off to take a quick glance at the pool before picking up Lance and ran into another Facebook friend that I recognized but had never met. Chatted with her for a little while, too. So neat! I love Facebook!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Our first day on Guam
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| The view from our rooms at the Hilton--the Waikiki of Guam |
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| Views from the balcony--Tumon Bay and the Philippine Sea with Two Lovers' Point jutting out into the sea |
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| The largest pool at the Hilton |
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| Panoramic view from our balcony |
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| Slippin' and slidin' |
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| The three musketeers! |
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| The amazing workout room at the Hilton |
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| The view from my treadmill |
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| Another treadmill view |
I started our first day with a workout in the fitness room or rooms, I should say--I had never seen such a workout facility in a hotel before. It was huge! Spinning cycles, recumbent bikes, a full set of weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, TVs, a lounge, even a room for exercise classes. So nice! And it all looked out over the bay to Two Lovers' Point. I decided then to splurge that first day and get the breakfast buffet, which would cost us over $60 for just me and the kids! I had never even considered paying that for breakfast before. The buffet was amazing--cereals, yogurt, a raw nut bar, salad bar, smoked salmon with toppings, lunch meats and cheeses, breads and pastries, miso soup, steamed rice, two types of dumplings, grilled salmon, mackerel, hash browns, bacon and sausage, fried fish, pancakes, french toast, waffles, strawberry and blueberry compote, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and creme anglaise for the bread pudding, steamed broccoli, Japanese and Korean favorites I didn't recognize, fresh melon and pineapple and canned fruit, juices, milk, water, coffee and tea. We had some challenges that day with customer service, but I'll write about that in another post.
After we'd each eaten enough for 3 people, we headed up to the room to dress for swimming. Spent most of the day at the slide--the children must have come down it 100 times that first day. They absolutely loved it. On one of those times down the slide, Samuel decided to stop and stand up midway down. Having zoomed down several times myself, I have no idea how he was able to do that. Luke was headed down just behind him and, you guessed it, ran right into him with Luke's eyebrow colliding with Sam's knee. Luke complained about it a little at the time, but I wasn't too concerned. When he mentioned it an hour or so later, I looked to see a goose egg the size of a large walnut growing on his eyebrow. I quickly checked his eye for signs of trauma--thankfully there were none. Got a bag of ice from the poolside restaurant and had two lifeguards check him out. We would watch for signs of a concussion and wait for the black eye to develop.
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