Guam is a beautiful tropical island full of lush green palm trees, plants and colourful exotic flowers. One side of the island is surrounded by the Philippine Sea and the other side the harsh Pacific Ocean and it is a US territory.
This was the eighth port on the world cruise. When we arrived, as Guam is a US territory we had to go through US immigration which was strange as we are so far away from US mainland! After waiting in line and getting my passport stamped it was time to go on tour and explore.
It a tropical island so it is warm usually between 22C to 30C, but it was overcast the day were there and every time we got off the tour bus to started raining! So, it was quite pleasant after visiting Rabaul that was so hot and humid.
Guam History
Guam is the largest island in Micronesia and is home to the largest US military base outside of the US mainland. It has been a US territory since 1898 after the Spanish-American War and Guam was ceded to the US by Spain.
During World War II in 1941 Guam was captured by Japan, the same day Pearl Harbour was attacked. Then in 1944, the Americans secured Guam back after bombing Guam and 55,000 US troops sent there to attack the Japanese to claim back their territory.
We visited the Pacific National Historic Park – Asan Point which was the battleground where the US invaded Guam in 1944 during World War II. There were warning signs if you find an old bomb, grenade or shell to report them, move away and do not touch it as they can still go off and kill you.
Tens of thousands of bombs, grenades and shells fell on Guam during World War II and many were not found and disposed of so they can still be found today. We also visited the memorial site for all the people who died in the war from Guam, it was so sad to see all the names, it wiped out families.
Old Customs
The earliest settlers in Guam were the Chamorro in 1500BC, believed to of migrated from Indonesia. We visited the Gef Pa’go Chamorro Village where the Chamorro customs are preserved.
We saw demonstrations of how they made sea salt, coconut candy, coconut oil and weaving palm tree leaves to make baskets.
All these customs were demonstrated in the traditional thatched huts that gave us an insight into what pre-World War II Guam looked like. The sea salt is still made today and used by the US military.
Two Lovers Point
Later in the day, we went to Two Lovers Point which is north of Tumon Bay. There is a tall statue of the entwined lovers.
Behind the statue, you can walk up the staircase to be right on top of the limestone cliff overlooking the turquoise reef one side and the other side the beach with all the big hotels, the view was stunning.
The story was that two young Chamorro lovers united for the last time, then jumped off this cliff. They were being hunted down by a Spanish captain who had been promised the girl in marriage.
The story has been saved in time and you have Two Lovers Point. For all you romantics, there was a wall of hearts padlocked to the wire with love messages.
We saw the Old Spanish Bridge that survived WWII and stopped at Fort Saint Agueda to see the remaining original cannons from 1800. We drove through the shopping district and hotel area of Tumon Bay.
Guam is a destination for mainly Japanese tourists to buy tax and duty-free goods. There were all the designer shops; Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany’s, Cartier, Hermes, Bulgari, Burberry, etc. Also, there is a big K-Mart and Ross.
It was an interesting day and I have now seen Guam! We are now sailing to Kaohsiung, Taiwan which is another new place for me to explore.
ESSENTIAL INFO
- Weather: 24*C – 34*C
- Language: English and Chamorro
- Currency: US Dollar
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Have you been to Guam? What did you do?
Happy Travels
Love Lucy
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