Thread: Stopping in Guam

I'm off to San Francisco on the 24th for my mom's memorial service. When I return, I'll bring dad back to Cairns with me, and the flights have a stop over in Guam. I have never been there before, and figured would take a day or two and see the island, along with breaking up the trip. Is there anything that I should see? I figure the strippers are out, as dad is in his 80's, and we are coming from my mom's funeral, but there must be lots of history there, especially WW II history. My grandfather was involved in the navy in the south pacific, during WW II, so probably stopped there at some time.

Thanks,

Ken

G'day Ken,

Sorry to hear of your loss, but very glad you could make it over to be with everyone and then spend some time with your dad.

As far as Guam goes, I've been there before with work for a few days and had a ball, but I don't know if i could give you much advice from a tourist's perspective. My colleagues and I were lucky enough to be hosted by some locals and we spent some time with them looking around. We also played a match against the 'national' rugby team (who were alegedly in their work-up towards the World Cup play-offs) and then joined them for their end of season bash down by the water in Tumon. USD$20 all you could eat seafood and drinks right on the beach. Awesome! I spent a good deal more time than is healthy in some of the night-spots around town there, and whilst I had a great time it's probably not what you're likely to be in the mood for. Do you like guns? There are plenty of shooting galleries where you could go while away some time. A few mates did that and got their kicks from firing a Desert Eagle or similar. Not really my scene, but it's something to do. The best time I had was hanging out with the locals playing sports or enjoying a feast of some sort. The other thing I really enjoyed was the standard of hotels there. The two that I stayed at were fantastic. Great rooms. Great service. Big lagoon-like pools fronting the beach. It's a popular destination for the Japanese (they say it's their Hawaii) and we know they have high expectations. I did get a laugh out of a meal I had at a place called Outback Jack's or something like that. I enjoyed being able to down a XXXX after five months away from home, but it's ironic since I don't drink it at home. The 'blooming potato' and the 'koala bear' decor killed me.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll find plenty to do to fill your time there. Oh, and If you're a diver you'll know that it's considered world-class (I'll never forget swimming above Challenger Deep), but watch the currents: people disappear every year.

Good luck, and enjoy. I know I did. I have some very happy memories from there, best shared over a beer.

James