Guam’s famous Tumon Bay
It was all about family. Meeting relatives from my mom’s side and celebrating my Aunt Shirley’s 80th birthday in Guam was the main reason I found myself on this side of the USA. As an island nearer on the coast of the Philippines than that of mainland it was much easier to go there, cheaper as well especially with the cost shouldered by my sister from the US just to accompany my mom whose adamant to travel alone.
Tumon Bay is a Protected Area
My Aunt had no idea that we were going to Guam at that time so it was a great surprise for her to find us inside her church the day of her birthday. She was much more on the surprised when she found a surprise birthday celebration on a hotel. It was a couple of hours of celebrating life, a colorful legacy and expressions of love.
The Sisters, Mom and Aunt Shirley”
Throughout the two weeks I was in Guam, Tumon Bay was a constant sight and a welcome one indeed. It’s great that my aunt lived in a condo beside Westin Hotel where her room was facing Tumon Bay and I could always go down at the pool side with a book and read while enjoying the view of the blue waters of Tumon Bay.
The Dames Family
It’s commercial, popular and teeming with water sports activities. But despite the droves of people coming here, Tumon Bay looks pristine amongst the surrounding high rise resort structures. I guess being a natural protected reserve area where people are not allowed to fish and take corals and the strict implementation of the local government made it what it is.
Aunt Shirley doing the Hula
For me the areas around Tumon Bay were venue of celebrations where a family has been re-united to simply have fun together. We had picnics, snacks dinners at the pool side and even a lively photo session when the sun was about to set. Even on her 80 years of age she can still jump and dance the hula. And also congratulate my mom who has traveled as far as this corner of the world.
Sunset over Tumon Bay
As I sit on the grass, feeling the cool wind in my face, hearing the wave’s crash on the rocks under the cliff while watching the sunset, here I am finally expanding my boundary. It’s a new world here and the best way to acquaint myself in this side of the world is through a warm and welcoming family.
reunion pala.
i thought you went there for another travel adventure. glad your aunt had a fun birthday! it’s always good to be withe loved ones during these kinds of celebrations.
Kala ko rin work related tong trip na to, family reunion pla. At 2 wks pa. I bet naikut mo ang island in that amount of time. Ako din I always wanted to see Guam ever since my brother gave me Guam postcards. Noon kasi pag nag fly from PI or SFO may stop over sa Guam – those were the days.
Yep it’s for an occasion Reena! I enjoyed meeting relatives on my Mother’s side.
At Photo Cache! Wasn’t able to travel around din at that time because of numerous gatherings and also I got sick for several days there so I just rested.
Guam intrigues me. I never had a chance to visit Guam. Looks like a peaceful and modern place – far from mainland US but still part of it. Good for you to have a reunion with family
The photos are beautiful. I live on Guam. While surfing the web I came upon your Aunt Shirley’s photo. Her pose looks as though she’s had a long experience in hula. We’re having a hula festival in December 2010 on Guam, with almost 300 people coming from Japan, to participate. The majority are “kupuna” meaning senior citizens. The festival is free and the main purpose is to just have fun and to give a venue for kupunas to hula in front of a large audience. We have quite a few local groups participating also. The festival will be held at the PIC resort hotel this year. If your aunt is interested please contact me at my e-mail address. Thanks.
[...] trips played a major role in travel as well in 2010. First quarter, I was able to visit Guam USA, accompanying my Mom on her first trip out of the country (and my first trip out of Asia) to visit [...]