March 13, 2013 Guam, Mariana Islands 8:00a to 5:00p

A territory of the United States, Guam is the commercial and tourist center of the Marianas Islands - of all Micronesia in fact.

The Chamorro people first settled in the Marianas circa 1500 B.C., Westerners arrived in 1521, when Magellan landed in Guam during his circumnavigation of the globe. Spain ruled the islands as a colony until the U.S. took control during the Spanish American War. The island was twice the scene of combat during World War II - first when the Japanese invaded in 1941 and again when American forces liberated the island in 1944.

Guam's strategic location led to the establishment of permanent American military facilities on the island.

Here we decided to rent a car and drive around the island. We hoped to have time to snorkel here, but we ran out of time.

There were about 21 of us that were renting cars and doing our own thing. A shuttle van was to pick us up after we called with an estimate of when we would arrive. Their “vans” held only 5 or 6 people, so they sent a couple cars and returned for the others. We all arrived at the rental site within minutes of each other. The shuttles could not come into the pier area so there was a long walk to outside of the pier. We also had to have a face to face with immigration before we could get off the ship. We all had agreed to meet in the Casino at 8:00 and get off as quickly as possible. We were all there except for 3 people. We didn’t even see them in line. I even walked back and checked to see. We filed off the ship and just before leaving the port terminal I counted noses and all of us were there except for the 3 missing people. No one said they even saw them in line.

Our day didn’t exactly go as planned. First, there wasn’t a large enough shuttle to transport us all at once, but that was quickly resolved. The rental place only had maps in Japanese. So, we were kind of winging it. We drove way to far north, though it was a nice drive. We did eventually get a tourist map in English.

It is a beautiful lush island. We drove North and then back to see Two Lovers Point. According to the legend Puntan Dos Amantes, two lovers leapt to their death from this towering cliff during Spain's rule of Guam. Brave the soaring observation platform to enjoy awe-inspiring views of beautiful Tumon Bay. It was a beautiful view from up there.

 sail in



 

We then headed to Inarajan Village (Chamorro Cultural Village) The fascinating village of Inarajan, which predates the Spanish discovery of Guam in 1521, impresses with its historic church, ancient cave paintings, Gef Pa'go Chamorro Village and a splendid natural pool at the water's edge.

There were locals there demonstrating their various trades and passing out samples of coconut candy and palm fronds made into the shapes of fish. It was lunch time and they sold a fried chicken lunch with rice and veggies. Then we continued on our drive around the island passing by War In The Pacific National Historic Park, a Former WWII battlefields, gun stations, trenches and structures bring Guam's grueling war battles to life at this historic national park that also amazes with brilliant turquoise waters, sandy beaches and snorkeling.

 

 



We had circled back to the Tumon area where we stopped at Chamorro Village. If we could have stayed in the evening we could have experienced the lively farmers market that is held every Wednesday including food, entertainment and traditional dance. There were restaurants and vendors there in the day time so we did get a small taste.

 

Guam is the home of the world’s largest K-Mart. Not a reason to go, but if you were in need of some supplies for the rest of the cruise, it was a great stop. We picked up some more sodas and wine, and some other items to make the cabin more comfortable. (magnetic light to help see in the dark closet and some other sundries) There was also a Home Depot there so we made a quick stop for a couple of things. Time went fast here, for such a small island, to see all the great things here we needed way more time! So, no snorkeling in all that beautiful water!
 

Returned the rental car and they brought us back to the ship. They only charged each of us in the group $2.00 and change for the round trip shuttle.

We got ready for dinner and everyone talked about their day in Guam.
 

The show this evening was a ventriloquist named Don Bryan. Quite entertaining! Today was the cruise director’s birthday and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Peter. 

Now for 3 sea days to recharge before Japan and Korea and our overland in China.