Vacation in Guam

Happy New Year!

Tonight is my last night in Guam, and I thought I'd write a quick little note, though it won't do my visit justice. I was here for a little over a week with my parents, brother, uncle, and various visitors. It was a spectacular break (maybe not so restful!) but I actually miss Chuuk, surprisingly more than I thought!

The days preceding Christmas were spent enjoying amenities such as wine, hot showers, and air conditioning. Greg and I visited some beaches, did some gift shopping, and spent Christmas evening with the Mercadian nuns, most of whom are islanders. On Monday, I took my family to Tumon Bay beach, close to the Jesuit residence, in the hopes that they would be revived from jetlag. On Tuesday, we went to Coco's Island, a beach resort about 15 minutes away from mainland Guam by boat. My family tried snorkeling for the first time and my dad and brother accompanied me for boat snorkeling a couples miles out into the lagoon. The snorkeling was way better there than the places I've been to in Chuuk, but the ecosystem is a lot more ravaged by tourism and pollution.
On Wednesday, we did some local stuff at Gef'Pago like coconut grinding and rope making... traditionally Chamorran, but not something very pravelent in Guam anymore which is partly why I wished my parents could have come to Chuuk. We went to Chamorro Village at night, which is like a street fair, but it was incredibly touristy. We did get some local foods and conversation, but most of it was tacky jewelry and clothes. Still, a really interesting mix of cultures and traditions. On New Year's Eve we went to a gorgeous beach in Ritidian Point which is more secluded right outside the jungle and close by to a wildlife refuge. We visited an aquarium and also did some walking around Tumon which is fantastically upscale. There were fireworks that night over Ipau and Tumon Bay, and we were able to watch them from our house. We also had a chance to visit the waterfalls in Talofofo and Two Lovers Point, the highest peak in Guam, for sunset. Last night we classed it up at a fancy hotel restaurant for a last meal. I've just finished packing and am trying to mentally prepare myself for the journey home to Weno. I'm going to miss my family, but if the speed with which last semester flew by is any accurate indication, I'll be seeing them again in no time.