Guam

     Guam has more the feel of Hawaii than the exotic feel of the remote regions of Micronesia.  Guam is the largest island in Micronesia.  it measures 4 to 8 miles across and 32 miles long.  It has a total area of 209 sq miles.  Guam's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to frequent earthquakes.  The northern 2/3 of the island is where most of the development has occurred.  It was formed from a raised atoll.  The airport Guam International Airport (PGUM)   is located in the North Central part of the island 3 miles NE of the city of Agana.  Micronesian Air and Freedom Air are both located at the General Aviation part of the airport.  Both will rent airplanes.  They are pricy and because there are few flying, it is hard to rent a plane for any length of time as someone always has it reserved for part of a day.

     The city of Agana is located where the original village of Hagatna  was located.  Today it is the hub of Guam.  The tourist area of Tumon Bay is located there.  The Catholic Basilica is located there next to the Plaza De Espana which is the ruins of the Spanish Government buildings.  Behind the Plaza De Espana is the Latte Stone Park with the Japanese caves carved in the rock beds behind the park.

     I stayed with friends on the Nave Base.  It was very well kept, and had lots of things to offer.

    The Chamorro Village Night Market on Wednesday nights is one place everyone should visit.  Local artisans set up tables to display their products.  Many vendors sell local foods, and their is a stage for local dancers and musical groups

     There are several War in the Pacific Parks throughout Guam.  They provide a glimpse of events that occurred during WWII.

     The southern portion of the island is relatively undeveloped.  It is volcanic in nature, and the site of crashing waterfalls, rainforests, and sleepy villages.  The remains of Fort Soledad has been turned into a park with a terrific view.  We attended the Gef Pago Chamorro Dance Festival in Inarajan  Close to Inarajan is Saluglula Pool, a park with costal formations that make a natural swimming hole.  On warm days the area is over run with children enjoying the water.  This was the sixth annual festival.  An attempt to keep alive the heritage of the native Chamorro people.   We also did a 4hr Kayak of the Talofofo River on the Southeast side of the river.  This river goes inland from the sea to its origin in the mountains.  The river goes through the tropical jungles of Guam.  We saw two Monitor lizards on the banks.

     Although Guam has a large Naval Base and a Large Air Force Base on the island.  The largest industry is tourism.  Guam receives more tourists than any Pacific Island except Hawaii.  More than 80% of Guam's tourists are Japanese.  In 1996 Koreans were the second biggest group.  American's were less than 10% of the tourists.

     With a booming tourist business, there are many restaurants to choose from.  Just about every type of food is available on Guam.  Everything I tried was good.

     Guam is a world class diving destination.  Diving Guam is very inexpensive compared to many other parts of the world.  There is something for everyone.  Shallow reefs, deep wall dives, blue holes, WWII wrecks, and many types of sea creatures.  There are many good shore dives.  Boat dives are inexpensive, and there is great visibility.