Guam-the other U.S. Pacific paradise

August 16, 8:21 PMInternational Travel ExaminerDiane LeBow

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the International Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Chomorro canoe carving project

“About 5000 years ago, our ancestors arrived here, probably from Southeast Asia, on canoes made from breadfruit trees which were lashed together with coconut fiber,” Rob Limtiaco, one of the last experts on Chomorro canoe building, explains. These days the island territory of Guam is focusing on reviving its ancient culture and celebrating its unique mixture of ethnicities.

The first inhabitants, the Chamorro people, probably traveled here by canoe from Southeast Asia. During long ancient voyages, they used the stars and currents, even feeling the movement of the waves in their sleep, for guidance. A unique group of canoe builders, students from the University of Guam, as part of the Proa Project, are reviving the ancient Chomorro canoe carving art as well as the traditional navigation techniques of following the stars and currents. Recently they launched the maiden voyage of a Chamorro sakman, or traditional 22 foot outrigger canoe.

The first European to land here was Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, introducing 300 years of Spanish rule. Then followed Japanese and finally United States control. In 1950, President Truman made Guam an unincorporated territory and its people U.S. citizens

War in the Pacific National Historic Park
with John Benavente, guide

An excellent local tour company, “Discover Guam,” provides an individualized itinerary with John Benavente, senior guide, anthropology and history buff.

At the War in the Pacific National Historic Park, you can look down at Asan Beach and the enormous bay where thousands of U.S. Marines came ashore on July 21, 1944, to fight one of the definitive battles of WWII. Guam was bombed two hours after Pearl Harbor. The famed monument of Hands Praying for Peace reflects on the more than one-half million Japanese and American soldiers who died here. Today this park boasts a lovely picnic area, a very positive improvement in usage.

A highlight of any visit is a drive through some of the rural villages of Southern Guam and a visit to Gef Pa'go, a replica of an ancient Chamorro Village. Here locals demonstrate aspects of the island’s traditional culture, including their ancient arts of weaving, baking, and rope making. At the Wednesday Night Market traditional dancing and food are featured. The Chamorro name for this island is “Guahan,” which translates into “We have.” This sentiment reflects the natural richness of the island.

Mysterious pillars at Latte Stone Park

One of the mysteries of Guam are the ancient limestone columns, dating from around 1700 BCE. You can view them at Latte Stone Park and puzzle over their usage, probably as the pillars of rulers’ houses as well as official buildings.

Guam has a lot to offer in the underwater world. 51% of the Guam Natural Park’s 2000 acres is underwater and protected. Described as one of the world’s least expensive scuba diving and certification spots, Guam challenges divers from around the world to experience the world’s tallest ocean mountain and the world’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench. Sinking down into the Blue Hole, probably Guam’s most famous dive site, thrills even a seasoned diver. The cobalt chasm’s magical light and sheer wall, superb visibility and abundant fish life make diving here magical.

Conclude your day over a delicious dinner of Chomorro cuisine, barbecue and fresh fish, at Proa Restaurant, which is named after the ancient canoes and located near Tumon Bay.

Coconut fiber rope making at Gef Pa'go, a
replica of an ancient Chamorro Village.