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Guam 2

As promise here is my second Blog of where American's day begin “GUAM, USA”

One of the things I find frustrating was watching my favorite soap like All My Children or Young and Restless in Guam and when I fly back to Hawaii I missed a whole week of soap. But not to worry because when I fly back to Guam I can watch what I already watched (re-run) in Hawaii. All of our television shows were one or two weeks behind US, except for CNN and other news channel.

Other then watching TV my other favorite thing to do on Guam was to hang out at K-Mart. Which by the way is open 24 hours and was the largest K-Mart in the world when they first open in 1995. It seems that the locals go to K-Mart to socialized more then to shop. Many times my husband and I would get up at 1:00am and would take a drive to K-Mart to see who is there and what are they up too. We were never disappointed. There was always someone we knew that also could not sleep and would be happy too also shoot the breeze. The day K-Mart open will be forever burned in my memory. The traffic was so bad and getting into K-Mart parking was a nightmare. Once I parked my car I then had to stand outside for an hour or so just to get in. I hurriedly grab some toothpaste and cleaning supplies just to find myself standing in line for another hour or so. Talk about being “insane.” Why on earth did I ever put up with so much just to save a a dollar or two on my items? This would only happen in Guam. If you are wondering about Walmart and Target they never made it to Guam. Which might explain why K-Mart is so popular.

Did I tell you about their holidays? Like Christmas, New Year, Forth of July, Easter, and Super Bowl Sunday? Super Bowl Sunday is actually on a Monday because Guam is one day ahead. It is not uncommon for half the workforce to call in sick so that they can watch the Super Bowl at their favorite drinking hole. There were talks about making it an official Guam holiday so that employers will not be left wondering what happened? The other holiday that I find fascinating is “All Souls Day.”

All Soul's Day (sometimes called the "Day of the Dead") is always November 2 (November 3rd if the 2nd falls on a Sunday). All Soul's Day is a Roman Catholic day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away. This comes from the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, which celebrated the Pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family. Candles in the window would guide the souls back home, and another place was set at the table. In Guam it was taken to a whole new level. I would drive down Marine Drive and get an eyeful of family and friends drinking and eating at their beloved one's grave. Only in Guam will I ever see this.

What about the governmental side of Guam? Well to start off Guam have 21 Senators, a Mayor for ever village (19) and 1 Congressman. Election day was really a big event. (Population on Guam is about 175000 more or less) Everyone I knew made it a point to cast their vote and why not? It might very well be their relative, sweetheart or friend that is running for one of these many offices. Which means “special favors” like having your driveway paved courtesy of Guam's taxpayers, or getting a well paid job for doing nothing. One of the things that Guam residents could not do was vote for the President or Vice President of USA. Why is this important? In 1997 talks were that military bases in California would be either close or reduce. Well since the election for a new president was around the corner, Guam's military bases were the ones closed or reduced. It did not matter that Guam location is far greater for the US. The only thing that mattered was the voting power for a new president. But since Sept. 11, 2001, the military base are again growing bigger and better. I think USA is finally seeing the value of Guam's strategy location.

Guam is a fabulous place to work, play and live. I always felted that my kids were always safe walking down the street or going to the movies. I had made many friends and I am sure that these friends are for life. Special friends like the Aldan family from Dededo, Aprilyn Flores, Nilissa Arnold, my Century 21 Commonwealth Family: Moe Cotton, Patsy Q, Manny R, Norman Cruz, Della Wong, Miho Jackson, Chris Taylor, and so many many others. I sure you know who you are and rest assure you will always be in my heart and prayers.

Si yu'os ma'ase