Andrew and I moved into our house on Thursday. It was nicer than I could describe to you to move out of the hotel - finally - exactly two weeks after we arrived. The first thing I did was take every last thing out of my suitcase. I am so done with suitcases!
Andrew called to check on our Household Goods shipment (all of our stuff that we didn't pack in suitcases) and learned that some of it was in California. I think that was supposed to be reassuring. However, I would like to know where the rest of our stuff is, and how long it will take to get to Guam from California, if it took an entire month to get to California from Texas. I hope it arrives before it's time for us to move again!
We went ahead and bought one pan, two bowls, and two sets of silverware, so we're getting by with that for now. With this being our first real move for the military, I really didn't know how to prepare. If I had known better, I would have packed so much more appropriately! Next time...
Instead of taking photos, I made a video tour of the house. I'm not terribly happy with it, but it's below for anyone interested.
We have been getting to know the neighborhood, and the whole island better and I'll have plenty of pictures to share here very soon. On Sunday, we went to the annual Mango Festival. In the next week or two, I think I am going to get my PADI certification so I can go scuba diving with Andrew. Fun!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Tour of the Island
With our housing search finished, we were finally able to relax and explore more than just subdivisions this past weekend. On Sunday, we drove from Tumon, where we're staying on the west coast of the island all the way down to the south end, along the southern coast, and back up the northeastern coast. It took close to two hours and was nothing short of spectacular! I took far more pictures than necessary, and tried to pick the best ones to post here.
As we get to know the island better, I'll actually find myself able to remember the names of these places. For now, it's mostly just pictures!
The first pictures are from Agat Landing, the only place where we actually stopped and got out of the car. It's one of the War in the Pacific National Park sites and it's really interesting in that you can still go through caves that were used by Japanese troops as strongholds. I was able to take pictures of some of the informational placards, but others were too faded to read. The first one is sort of a map of the area, showing the caves. You may have to click on the picture and see the larger version to make anything out.
Then there are a few of the scenery along the way ...
I took a lot more great photos but my camera didn't transfer half of them. I guess I have some bugs to work out.
The water along the shore is generally pretty shallow, but this one really highlights how low the tide was that day.
I think this is Mt. Lam Lam, but I really have some learning to do before I start talking like I know everything. Mt. Lamlam is Guam's highest peak, and the highest point on Guam at 1,332 feet. If measured from the bottom of the Marianas trench, however, Lamlam rises to 37,820 feet above the ocean floor. Depending on where the measurement is taken, Lamlam rivals, but does not surpass Mauna Kea in Hawaii as the world's tallest mountain. It does beat out Everest by this definition (remember, of course that tallest and highest are different terms geographically).
Back in Tumon, Andrew picked some pretty flowers for my hair.
We enjoyed a relaxing retreat at the hotel's beachfront bar while we waited for our laundry to wash, and Andrew refused, as usual, to pose for a good photo.
I got a picture of the cliff (I think it's Two Lover's Point, which we need to visit),
the city,
and later - the sunset
Then, when Andrew walked me home from work I saw the largest snails I have ever seen!
...and that was our weekend.
We miss you all and want to hear what's going on with you, too!
As we get to know the island better, I'll actually find myself able to remember the names of these places. For now, it's mostly just pictures!
The first pictures are from Agat Landing, the only place where we actually stopped and got out of the car. It's one of the War in the Pacific National Park sites and it's really interesting in that you can still go through caves that were used by Japanese troops as strongholds. I was able to take pictures of some of the informational placards, but others were too faded to read. The first one is sort of a map of the area, showing the caves. You may have to click on the picture and see the larger version to make anything out.
Then there are a few of the scenery along the way ...
I took a lot more great photos but my camera didn't transfer half of them. I guess I have some bugs to work out.
The water along the shore is generally pretty shallow, but this one really highlights how low the tide was that day.
I think this is Mt. Lam Lam, but I really have some learning to do before I start talking like I know everything. Mt. Lamlam is Guam's highest peak, and the highest point on Guam at 1,332 feet. If measured from the bottom of the Marianas trench, however, Lamlam rises to 37,820 feet above the ocean floor. Depending on where the measurement is taken, Lamlam rivals, but does not surpass Mauna Kea in Hawaii as the world's tallest mountain. It does beat out Everest by this definition (remember, of course that tallest and highest are different terms geographically).
Back in Tumon, Andrew picked some pretty flowers for my hair.
We enjoyed a relaxing retreat at the hotel's beachfront bar while we waited for our laundry to wash, and Andrew refused, as usual, to pose for a good photo.
I got a picture of the cliff (I think it's Two Lover's Point, which we need to visit),
the city,
and later - the sunset
Then, when Andrew walked me home from work I saw the largest snails I have ever seen!
...and that was our weekend.
We miss you all and want to hear what's going on with you, too!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
We found a house!!
We have gone out several times looking at houses and we finally made a decision!
We are moving to a subdivision just a few minutes from the base next week. The house is almost brand new and it's lovely. It has a GREAT kitchen with an island, a wine rack, a bar, and the works. It also has a jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, which I am thrilled about, and a two car garage. We will definitely need visitors - so come and see us!
I didn't get a picture of our house yet -those are yet to come. Here's one from the net of another house that's just the same, with a more mature yard.
One thing we have found out in this whole house-hunting process is that the USPS only operates here in a limited fashion. The majority of homes do not receive mail delivery. So, once we have turned our lease in to the mail office on base and they have confirmed with the postal service that they won't deliver to us at home, they'll give us a box there.
I myself am learning that there is a whole lot of paperwork and wait time involved in everything when one deals with the military.
I also got a job, which is why I'm so slow to update things with everyone right now. I'm bartending on the strip in Tumon, where our hotel is. I'm not sure how well that will go when we get in our house, but right now it's going into the fund for school in the fall, and it's keeping me from going stir crazy.
We are moving to a subdivision just a few minutes from the base next week. The house is almost brand new and it's lovely. It has a GREAT kitchen with an island, a wine rack, a bar, and the works. It also has a jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, which I am thrilled about, and a two car garage. We will definitely need visitors - so come and see us!
I didn't get a picture of our house yet -those are yet to come. Here's one from the net of another house that's just the same, with a more mature yard.
One thing we have found out in this whole house-hunting process is that the USPS only operates here in a limited fashion. The majority of homes do not receive mail delivery. So, once we have turned our lease in to the mail office on base and they have confirmed with the postal service that they won't deliver to us at home, they'll give us a box there. I myself am learning that there is a whole lot of paperwork and wait time involved in everything when one deals with the military.
I also got a job, which is why I'm so slow to update things with everyone right now. I'm bartending on the strip in Tumon, where our hotel is. I'm not sure how well that will go when we get in our house, but right now it's going into the fund for school in the fall, and it's keeping me from going stir crazy.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Delonix Regia, or the Flame Tree
I had posted a picture of a beautiful Flame Tree last week, but didn't yet know the name of the tree. It is called Delonix Regia, or Flame Tree. In Saipan, another of the Marianas islands, they have a Flame Tree Festival every Spring. This year's was the 28th annual. I wish I were a better photographer, because I am told that the trees are particularly beautiful this year.
Here's a Flickr photo of some in Saipan.
Here's a Flickr photo of some in Saipan.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
More Photos!
Finally, I am able to upload pictures, but I have little time to tell you anything about them. Here they are ...
The above photos were taken across the street from the University of Guam, in the village of Mangilao.
This is right near our hotel. It's one of the prettiest Flame Trees I've seen (the one with the red flowers).
This is the only underpass on the island, I am told.
They have paintball, too!
All of the above pictures are from Agana Beach, a bit south of where we're staying. So beautiful! It's surrounded by jungle, which I need to explore soon.
There was a bit of concern over whether or not I would be able to find vegan food over here. It is so easy! The grocery store (which is 24 hours!), called Pay Less has more vegan treats than any conventional grocery I've been to the in the states (including my favorite guilty pleasure - Cookie Dough ice cream made with coconut milk). Above is a photo of my favorite restaurant meal thus far. It's a grilled vegetable plate from the Jamaican Grill. The red rice is a traditional Chamorro dish, found about everywhere. It's delicious!
There are a whole lot of lizards everywhere, which I love! I was particularly excited when we came out to our car in a parking garage and there was a gecko hanging out on my door.
There are also some beautiful spiders!
The above photos were taken across the street from the University of Guam, in the village of Mangilao.
This is right near our hotel. It's one of the prettiest Flame Trees I've seen (the one with the red flowers).
This is the only underpass on the island, I am told.
They have paintball, too!
All of the above pictures are from Agana Beach, a bit south of where we're staying. So beautiful! It's surrounded by jungle, which I need to explore soon.
There was a bit of concern over whether or not I would be able to find vegan food over here. It is so easy! The grocery store (which is 24 hours!), called Pay Less has more vegan treats than any conventional grocery I've been to the in the states (including my favorite guilty pleasure - Cookie Dough ice cream made with coconut milk). Above is a photo of my favorite restaurant meal thus far. It's a grilled vegetable plate from the Jamaican Grill. The red rice is a traditional Chamorro dish, found about everywhere. It's delicious!
There are a whole lot of lizards everywhere, which I love! I was particularly excited when we came out to our car in a parking garage and there was a gecko hanging out on my door.
There are also some beautiful spiders!
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