By now, you realize that I’ve relocated to Guam for just a few years due to my hubs’ job. A pal of mine again in Texas had some questions and I assumed, perhaps a few of you’ve questions too. So, right here is the dialog that I had with Mia- a 7-year outdated scholar in Austin and he or she requested some GREAT questions.
That is the message I acquired from her mother, one in all my outdated band-mates. Mia studied Guam as we speak throughout her humanities time. She’s gonna put collectively some questions on dwelling there to ask you. I do know you’re not an knowledgeable but, however we’d recognize any suggestions you may give. Attempting to maintain it attention-grabbing throughout Faculty at House time! Congratulations, you made the reduce!!! Thanks prematurely!!!
A –You guess!!!! We’d like to be Mia’s penpal! 
Q- What’s the climate like there? Is it sizzling as we speak?
A- This tiny island is forgotten by most and I’m so grateful you wish to know extra. Guam sits in the midst of the North Pacific ocean. We’re solely 933 miles from the equator whereas Austin , Texas is over 2,000 miles . As a result of we’re so near the equator our climate is similar day-after-day! Have you learnt what it means to be near the equator? It implies that we get the identical quantity of solar each single day of the 12 months…we don’t have lengthy days or brief days AND we don’t use Daylight Financial savings Time both as a result of it wouldn’t matter! On daily basis our temperature ranges from 70-90 levels. It’s VERY humid- which means a number of moisture within the air- as a result of we’re in the midst of the ocean.
This morning it rained for nearly three hours straight, however now it’s lovely and sunny exterior. You recognize what’s the greatest a part of being right here after being in San Antonio? All the pieces is inexperienced! There are actual, stay jungles on the island! It’s actually neat. There may be all the time a breeze blowing throughout the island from the ocean so, though it’s sizzling, it’s not so unhealthy as a result of the wind is all the time making the leaves of the timber dance.
Q- What number of seashores are there? Have you ever been to at least one but?
A- Nicely, we’re on an island which is made principally of coral. There are many seashores! There are over 40! From Tarague Seaside on Anderson Air Power Base which is simply open to people who find themselves within the army (we went there simply the opposite day!) to Tumon Bay Seaside which is the place the Japanese and South Korean vacationers prefer to go. Guam is a good trip spot for folks from Japan and Korea as a result of the can “come to America” with out having to fly all the way in which to the opposite aspect of the planet. Guam is a US Territory which implies that america is answerable for the island, and the islanders are residents of america however they don’t get to vote in US presidential elections.
The southernmost seashore is round Coco’s Island which is a resort and common for the army to go to. It’s about 1/four mile off the top of the island and is surrounded by clear blue water and has white sandy seashores. The island is product of principally coral. Coral is the skeletal stays of a dwelling aquatic organism. There are excessive cliffs and steep roads. We drove across the island simply final weekend and noticed some lovely vistas and clear views of the water. It’s beautiful. I’ve to be trustworthy, I’m afraid of the ocean (for a few causes), so it’s going to take me some time to be comfy stepping into the water. However, I’m wanting ahead to working by my fears and having fun with this beautiful little bit of God’s creation.
Q- What are the homes there like? Do they appear to be homes right here or totally different?
A- The homes are all product of concrete. There are loads of flats and single household properties, however they’re all product of concrete! Have you learnt why? Yearly the island is hit by typhoons! A storm is a tropical cyclone with winds quicker than 74 miles per hour! Yearly all the island is hit by wind and rain! Plenty of wind and rain! So, they should construct their homes out of one thing that may persistently stand up to that sort of climate. We have now discovered a home that we will stay in for the subsequent three years and it’s additionally product of concrete. All the homes have storm shutters on the skin that, while you hear the storm siren, it’s important to safe in order that your home windows don’t break.
Q- Apart from household, is there one thing you miss about Texas that they don’t have in Guam?
A- Mr. Holman has been on a seek for saltines! Saltines are simply plain crackers. We are able to’t discover them wherever! I miss HEB Central Market Blue Corn Chips! As a result of Guam is a US Territory we’ve most of the similar issues that the Continental US has. We are able to store on the grocery retailer and purchase Jell-o, Tyson rooster, Bob’s Pink Mill Oatmeal and many of the similar issues you may! Issues are a bit costlier, although, as a result of they should be introduced right here on a cargo ship. We have now all the identical comforts that you’ve got, so there’s not a lot in addition to household and pals that we’re lacking.
We haven’t had an opportunity to make any new pals, due to the COVID virus. The island is on lock-down and we’re solely allowed to go to the grocery retailer for requirements. One thing that’s totally different right here, although, is that everybody is like household as a result of it’s such a small place and nobody is hoarding provides. Everybody simply buys what they want! There may be loads of bathroom paper and different meals stuff. The one issues I can’t discover are rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer…however I don’t like utilizing hand sanitizer anyway.
Q- Have you ever tried any totally different meals there that we don’t have right here?
A- One of many large issues that Mr. Holman was wanting ahead to consuming again- he was stationed right here with the army manner again within the 1980’s- was Hineksa’ Aga’ga’-Pink Rice! Pink Rice is one thing that the folks of Guam eat on a regular basis. It’s ready with water coloured from soaking achote (annatto) seeds, which supplies it its often deep orange coloration. I seemed up a recipe and have made it a few instances already! It’s yummy!
One of many first meals I had at a restaurant right here was Estofao. It was YUMMY! I’m attempting to learn to make the native meals since we’re going to be dwelling right here for some time. Have you ever ever heard the saying “When in Rome do because the Romans do?” It means while you’re visiting or dwelling amongst a distinct folks group, you need to do the issues that they do.
Right here’s a video about Estofao and make it!
She Had Some Observe Up Questions
A number of days later, she wrote again:
Wow! I discovered a lot. I seemed up Guam on a map and noticed how shut it’s to the equator. So cool however sizzling! I like how one can see throughout the water. We checked out Coco’s Island and the pure pool it has. It’s best to undoubtedly go to there. I had a query about your concrete home. Is it actually bumpy or clean? Are you afraid of being in a storm? We watched the video about estofao. Appears to be like yummy! Considered one of my favourite meals is soy sauce so I believe I would really like it. WE additionally watched a video about Chamorro bistek. That appears good, too. Hope you attempt it!
So, is it bumpy or clean?
A- Mia, extra nice questions! Our concrete home is simply product of concrete. Similar to the homes again in Texas, they’ve guts! You recognize the stuff that holds them collectively. In Texas they make wood frames after which put all {the electrical} and plumbing contained in the partitions after which put up wallboard to cowl all of it. When you really feel the partitions in your home, I guess they’re not fully clean. Many instances builders will put texture onto the partitions earlier than they paint them. It’s sort of like that right here too. They construct the homes out of cinder blocks or poured concrete after which they coat the partitions with one thing, I’m undecided, then paint it. Plenty of homes, on the skin, have etched in designs to appear to be bricks or rocks.
Am I afraid of being in a storm?
A- Nicely, I’ve by no means been in a storm, so I don’t know what to anticipate. I’ve seen tornadoes from a distance and people are sort of scary. Mr. Holman lived on Guam manner again within the 1980s and he says he’s not scared. Due to the way in which the buildings are constructed, should you simply keep inside, shut your storm shutters, and all the time have meals and water saved up for when the facility goes out, all the pieces is simply fantastic.
I Love Her Curious Little thoughts!
She requested some actually nice questions! Do you’ve any questions on Guam or Aromatherapy? Let me know!
Oh, Guess what! I made Estofao final night time for dinner! I took the bones out of the rooster earlier than I cooked it, although. It was so yummy!!!
