Guam- A Tropical Paradise?
86Guam is tropical but definitely not a paradise. Guam is situated in the west pacific about 13 degrees north of the equator. Temperatures are hot and humid year round with temperatures in the 80';s and 90's. Trade winds blow during the dry season and offer some cooling. During the wet season, rain and thunder storms occur frequently and with intensity. They disrupt computers and cell phone service. Typhoons are always a threat. One major one occurs every 8-10 years. Minor ones occur too, as well as earth quakes. Houses are constructed like concrete bunkers to with stand the typhoons. . Windows have shutters.
Military Presence
The military dominates the island with its naval and air bases. Troops deploy from Guam. Security is tight. The military routinely changes civilian flight plans to accommodate its needs for airplanes. The island people, the Chamorro, do not like the military.
Employment
Unemployment on Guam is higher than on the U.S. mainland. Employment comes from three sources: military, tourism and Guam government. All civilian job applications must go through the Department of Administration (DOA) where they are rated for qualifications. There is much favoritism with jobs going to island relatives who are not qualified. The outsider job applicants refer to their job applications as (DOA), dead on arrival when they reach this government agency.
Traffic Congestion
Roads are poorly maintained and congested. Drivers don't follow the Rules of the Road. Accidents involving pedestrians are commonplace. The police fail to enforce traffic rules.
Phone Service
Land line phone service is unreliable. Most residents resort to cell phones. Cell phone service from Guam to the U.S. mainland is questionable at times.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is high because everything has to be imported. Gas, grocery and electricity are particularly high. Shortages occur routinely. People learn to stock up on the basics when they can.
Housing
Housing is cheap. However, this will change when the military moves its forces from Japan to Guam.
Schools
The public school system at all levels is terrible. Teachers are understaffed and underpaid. Teachers teach without the requisite degrees and some of them are hardly older than the students they teach.
Health Care
Except for the military, health care is poor as well. Patients wait a long time for appointments. The island lacks equipment such as MRI machines. Testing is done on the island, but results must be sent to the mainland for analysis.
Animal Control
Dogs roam the streets uncontrolled. If a dog is hit by a car, nothing is done to remove it. Dogs, especially black ones, are a food delicacy among some cultures on the island.
Population
The native people are called Chamorro. Other people make up the population such as Japanese, Korean, Pilipino and Vietnamese. English and Chamorro are the official languages. Guam is a territory of the u.S. It uses U.S. currency and the U.S. postal service. However, if you are going to send a package to Guam from the U.S. you need a customs form.
Tourism and recreation
Tourism is big business in Guam. Guam was once occupied by the Japanese. Japanese World War II bunkers are the biggest attraction. Parts of the island are very beautiful including the beaches and water. Guam boasts many water parks. Many hotels and apartment complexes have swimming pools.
Travel to Guam
Passports are required to travel to Guam from the U.S. Flights typically depart from San Francisco. The first leg of the trip is San Francisco to Hawaii then, Hawaii to Guam. The whole trip takes approximately 14 hours.
Festivals and holidays
Guam celebrates many festivals. Guam is Catholic and celebrates all the saints" days. It celebrates its own independence day. Very little work is done in the month of December because of the Christmas holidays.
If you are an intense, type a personality, stay away from Guam. You will be frustrated all the time. Things get done very slowly there if at all.
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wow. that's quite eye-opening. i might have an offer to move to Guam and im extremely curious about how daily life goes on there... doesn't sound so good from your description. I'm coming from the Philippines though, where things are pretty much inefficient as well... i was hoping maybe it would have mainland standards when it comes to basic services.
How's the safety issue? is it a safe place, conducive to bringing up children? are there any good pre schools and primary schools? I have a four-year old and im curious how life would be like for her there.
thanks! appreciate your reply
wow. that's quite eye-opening. i might have an offer to move to Guam and im extremely curious about how daily life goes on there... doesn't sound so good from your description. I'm coming from the Philippines though, where things are pretty much inefficient as well... i was hoping maybe it would have mainland standards when it comes to basic services.
How's the safety issue? is it a safe place, conducive to bringing up children? are there any good pre schools and primary schools? I have a four-year old and im curious how life would be like for her there.
thanks! appreciate your reply
I have a friend who lived on Guam for over a year. My hub is based on his experiences there. He has three kids ages, 8, 10 and 13. The kids loved it there. They had fun with water activities. It's the kind of place where kids can be kids longer than on the mainland. They felt safe there. My friend home schooled his kids, so he did not have to deal with the school system directly. The better schools are the private ones or Christian ones. My friend went to Guam looking for work. He was unable to find work there. The Department of Administration promised him a job and then began to stall around about it. If you have a job offer, that's great! Just make sure you get it in writing. My friend is back in California now. He and his family miss Guam. Yes, it is inefficient and lacks some conveniences. It has its good points. The people are friendly. Guam needs help but doesn't want to change. Politics gets in the way of change.It needs qualified employees. Good luck to you.
You have NO idea what the HELL you are talking about! Some are fairly true, But the DOG eating thing is NONSENSE! C'mon! You act like YOU ARE A NATIVE fromt he island! Learn your facts before you say anything about my Island. You say "we" don't like military? I beg to differ. We ARE THANKFUL for the military, in fact, 45-50 percent of the residents belong to the Army National Guard & Air Force and they are Natives.
It's not as bad as you make it seem. You forget that, Guam has many different nationalities and you may mistaken some of them. Speak of ONLY the chamorros and NOT compare us to any of the others that reside there. There are Micronesians, whicjh include, Chuukese, Ponapaie (however you spell it), Yapese, Fhilipinos, white, black, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. Keep in MIND, NONE of them have any relation to "Native Chamorros"
Seriously though, Buy a book on the chamorro culture and LEARN the FACTS.
Esta!
WOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH
You shouldn't post your opinions and criticism on a place you've never lived in.
It's not sound and you have no experience, no reason, and no real source to derive an opinion.
And how can you say "Guam needs help but doesn't want to change"? - Do you know people from Guam? People who are involved in politics? Guamanians who are active in their community? Do you know the people who vote, the organizations starting programs to better the island, and even the younger generation of Guam?
Even though you have a friend that lived on Guam there for over a year, that's his experience, not yours, and that's a minimal amount of time to form such strong remarks. Just because he cannot get a job, doesn't mean you can make such generalization about employment on Guam. Your friend's children did not even take part in the education system on Guam, how can he have an opinion on it if he or his children have never experienced it? Even your travel to Guam section is limited like your other "summarizes" of aspects of Guam. I've flown roundtrip to Guam and numerous parts of the mainland, South Pacific, Asia, etc. various times and only once have taken the GUM - HNL - SFO route.
I can go line by line and criticize the things you claim, but ulimately I think it's important to say that like any other place, Guam does not need people who have never been part of its community to publicly post highly skewed and falsely conceived "information" on the internet.
Obviously you have not even come close to describing my home island! Seems to me that you are a pessimist and seem to only see the down side of things. You haven't even taken the opportunity to see the beautiful and busy things to do there. You probably just stayed at home watching the news. Where did you gather your information from? This commentary is apparently a reflection on your character as well as what you are seriously lacking!
If Guam is not a paradise, why do over a million visitors (from all over the world) come to Guam every year (and why do many come back year after year)? Why does your friend and his kids miss Guam? Why did his kids love it there? Why do over 150,000 people (and many others who reside stateside) call Guam home? Why do local residents who have moved stateside or to other countries for schooling or job opportunties or other reasons eventually or almost always return back home to Guam? And why do expatriates, military personnel & their dependents, civil and contract workers, and church missionaries who have lived, worked, been stationed, and served in Guam loved their experiences there and desire to return one day soon to visit or even live there. Every community including those I've lived in or visited for short and long durations of time (in the U.S. including Hawaii and other countries like Thailand, Japan, and Samoa) has its flaws and imperfections. No community including other tropical "paradises" like Costa Rica, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Aruba (where that one girl, Natalie, was kidnapped and killed and the local govt. did little in the beginning to find her body and provide justice and closure to her parents) is perfect. And little tropical imperfect Guam is no exception. But to generalize to the world that "Guam is definitely not a paradise", that the "education system is terrible" (even the educational system in the U.S. and in Utah where I currently reside is not perfect and requires some reform), and that if you are a type a personality to stay away from Guam, and other half truths is flawed, uninformed, and not true (though I do want to thank you for the positive points your friend brought up about the Island which are very true). Try living in Guam for a year regardless of your personality and you'll come to love it as millions of people from all over the world have and who have considered and call Guam "paradise on earth". Show me a true paradise on earth without its little quirks and imperfections in its politics, culture, economy, and people, and I'll eat my words. But Guam with all its imperfections and quirks only adds to its uniqueness, its beauty, and its claim as paradise on earth. It's all how you define or interpret paradise to mean and many have defined Guam as truly as close to paradise as you can get on earth primarily because of its natural, tropical and physical beauty and the beauty, friendliness and goodness of its people (if that isn't paradise, I don't know what is). All are welcome to Guam, where America's day begins and truly a little paradise on earth!
I may be a native of Guam and may be biased, but I have the testimonials of many thousands of friends who have lived or visited Guam who support my bias and who would in a heartbeat call Guam paradise.
p.s. If you ever want to visit, you have an open invitation to our family's beach property on the northern end of the Island. We'll even take you around the Island, take you to Talafofo and Tarzan falls, and throw a bbq for you and your friends.
I lived in Guam for a year when I was a kid (Dad was in the Navy) and I have some very fond memories. Sure, there are some bad things, notably: poor school system, not a terrific infrastructure, brown tree snakes!
But, there are some really cool parts, too. We had a great time assimilating ourselves with locals. They are very nice and really want to include people in their large 'fiestas'. They are very much friends and family oriented, and they love to have a good time.
how can you give a speech talking down a place you have never even seen in real life. you are a duesche bag and should get out of your house. its like saying that everyone in canada and alaska are all eskimos this is not only an uninformed statement but an untrue one so you can suck on ma balls!!
Aneka !
Think this place is only made for Military operations & other lifes very much dizzling n un secure as u mentioned here ..........
Aneka, you have no right to post criticisms of an island you've never lived on!! You make Guam sound primitive and it certainly is not! In today's economic crises, Guam is actually doing better than the states itself! I was born and raised in Guam, however, I currently live in the states. My family still resides in Guam and I call them every day. The communication is NOT questionable. The threats of typhoons are pretty much in most tropical areas.. they're just called differently! Ex: Hurricanes Guam has one of the highest U.S. military deployment rate (most of them are Chamorros themselves), so how can you say the people hate the military? I can argue about your statements for hours but you are not worth my time! So basically, you're a dumbass!! Stupid haole.
I'm sorry but you remind me of the phrase, it is far better to remain silent and be thought of as a fool, than to speak and completely erase all doubts...you have no clue...
Really now Aneka. I just moved off the island after living there for 3 years. We are a military family and were well received by the natives of Guam all around. The culture is rich and traditions are kept alive by the people there. I find your post here quite weak, especially because you write as if you actually visited Guam. In fact, there are some truths to your second hand assessment, you are certainly unqualifed to evaluate a place you've never set foot upon.
To contradict some of your notations, our children attended a Montessori school there which was simply amazing. (Two children, both reading by the age of 3.) We never had a problem with our phone, and in fact, didn't even use cell phones on the island. Yes, there are boonie dogs, but they typically aren't used for food. I could go on, but really, maybe you should visit yourself....eh?
To those of you from Guam who may be reading this, the island is truly beautiful, and complex. Our family hopes to return some day. In the meantime, we cherish our experiences and memories of Guam and its people. Thank you for sharing your island and its incredible culture.
Aneka, consider what you refer to as a 14 hour trip. And don't panic when you're not on the ground by then, it's just your miscalculation again.
Guam, Guam, Guam! Well I've heard it said that the TRUTH hurts! But it hurts more when it's mixed with misinformation. Maybe the person who wrote this tried to research the facts but hasn't any resources along with never having been here. People write about places they have never been to all the time (China, Italy, New York, Jamaica, etc., etc), so people shouldn't be so mad and start calling names (especially ethnic remarks). Don't forget that many, (if not most Americans) think that the people of Guam wear grass skirts on a daily basis.
This Island is beautifull, and luscious (so are the women here)! I just wish there was a better economy, and less government corruption (sounds like the rest of the U.S.A. - because it is)!!!
It's definintly the place to be if you want a tropical paradise vacation and you are want to try something besides Hawii.
As far as the Military issue, well...about half of all the able-bodied young males are either in the Reserves or Active
Duty (more than the main-land U.S.A.), so NO the people of Guam don't HATE the military. But the military men and women start alot of trouble across America in "Military Towns" and often feel a sense of friction at the larger bases. I was in the Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina, the people in the city outside the front gate (Jacksonville) HATE Marines (not really but it feels like it some of the times).
Guam, great place to visit!!!
I thank everyone for their comments. You are right. I should not write unless I have personally visited there. I am leaving the hub as written along with all of yur comments. Let the readers judge for themselves. Maybe some will get curious and visit to see for themselves. I want to visit but don't have a job and can't afford it right now. My boyfriend wants to go bak there. We both need jobs. I am an attorney. He is a computer tech. Does Guam need any attorneys particularly in the Attorney General's Office and the legal aid offices? Somebody make us a job offer and I'll be happy to go there and write the hub with the correct and informed facts. I am also looking for anyh SGI, Lotis Sutra members on Guam.
if you are white and looking for a job in guam, forget it.
i'll admit, the public schools need to improve.
but all the other stuff on the blogs are just not true!
I suggest you remove this post and stop making such remarks about a place you seem to know nothing about. Yes, every country has it's problems, yours is no better. There are many people who come to live on Guam and can adapt to island life, though it may not be YOUR idea of paradise - they LOVE it here! You get what you put into it - when living here - obviously you only know how to focus on the negatives or what you perceive as negative.
Remove this post PLEASE!
Such generalizations are low-hanging fruit. It's so easy to criticize a place when you feel so far removed from it. No wonder why you chose a forum such as this--where you don't have to justify or seriously research your articles--in order to get your uninformed and biased word out from the isolated reality in which you live. You may think you are performing a valuable service by posting this, but all you are doing is perpetuating the notion that people like you spend their time further elevating their perceived station in life by criticizing others while failing to seriously consider the problems that run rampant in their own backyard. Why don't you give your local news a good listen and publish a list of negatives about your own neighborhood? Do you really think it's newsworthy to post that Guam is not an island paradise? Do you really think it's breaking news that things are not what they seem on the surface? I hope you never come to Guam and experience the warmth and friendliness of the local people. You hardly seem deserving of it.
this is one of the worst blogs I have ever read. Terrible writing, spelling and facts are way off. Im sorry you feel this way about Guam, because Im sure you are SO wonderful yourself. From now on, please keep your ridiculous opinions to yourself.
Here are some Corrections to your blog:
1.Military are not disliked by Chamorros. Guam has one of the highest per capital enlistees in the military. I'm Chamorro and I have many relatives in the military. And I love them :)
2. Do you have a list of "outsider applicants" who refer to their applications as "dead on arrival"? I don't think so.
3. Do you have evidence that police don't enforce the rules? I don't think so.
4. My landline phone service was still operational after a 175mph storm hit Guam. I don't have problems calling my family in VA and CA. Your source is unreliable.
5. Can you specify which schools employ teachers without appropriate certification? Guam schools receive federal funding and are evaluated yearly. What is your reference?
6. I didn't realize Guam lacks a MRI machine. My mom had a MRI for a hip fracture. What is your reference source for healthcare?
7. Black dogs are a delicacy in Guam? I haven't seen it on any table. Have you?
8. I didn't know Japanese WWII bunkers are the main tourist attraction. I guess the million visitors to Two Lovers Point, beaches, or Latte Stone Park don't count. Can you guide me to these Japanese bunkers? I don't think the tour buses have it on their routes.
9. When is Guam's Independence Day? I don't recall celebrating it. Is it after April Fool's Day? LOL
This makes me laugh soo much because a lot of the things here are untrue...and imagine what people write about where you live. I'm sure all places have their pros and cons. How would you feel if someone wrote wrong information about your place?
The mainland has a higher crime rate and more poverty. The white people raped native Americans if their land. They also love to eat strange animals like squirrels and rats.
How does it feel?
Get your facts straight. Your information is wrong and should be removed.
You're as ignorant as they come. You're basing your story on one person's opinion of My Island that I call HOME. I was born and raised on Guam (Chamoru) and yes by all means Guam is no California or any other state but it does have it's own personality mainly because it is an ISLAND. I'm appalled at your interpretation and I am sure that many Chamrou's and Guamanians alike share the same sentiment. It's like me saying Texas sucks even though I have never visited the place.I will most definitely be forwarding this link to every person I know who was born on Guam and who has ties to Guam and let's see what they have to say. You're a close minded individual with very little scope of what you're writing.
That's okay, Us SUN people don't need snow people like you here anyway! And we DO have a lot of professional people on this island that don't just sit on our asses!
I'm stunned that you could write such a negative blog and then turn around and ask if there are any job openings! And you're an attorney? I don't think we need an attorney who has already pre-judged us.
hahhahahahahhahha!!!!!!!It's soooo true!
My family an I have spent the last 3 weeks on vacation on Guam. I am an American living and working in Western Australia. I have found the people here to be friendly, the beaches are better than Hawaii by far and in fact rival the beaches on Australia's SW coast, the food is good and cheap. I reckon that the local folk here are much more patriotic than your average American. However this is just what I have witnessed firsthand. Happy Liberation Day Guam!
There are many errors in this article that I don't even know where to start. Here are some points I want to get into.
Earthquakes hit Guam, but they are once in a blue moon. If one were to hit, they hardly are noticable. Often no one really notices until the news reports on it.
A typhoon hasn't hit Guam in a while, but I don't wanna jinx anything.
The military do not routinely change flight plans. They have their own airport and planes.
SOME people don't like the military, but others are greatful for it. Many high schoolers turn to the military as a post graduation choice. But recently, the island feels the military is taking too much than it deserves.
Not everyone on Guam is called Chamorro. We are a mixed island.
Traffic is hardly congested compared to the mainland. Traffic would only result from rush hour 7 to 8 in the morning and around 4 to 5 in the afternoon.
Guam is currently fixing their roads, which also resutls in traffic. We don't work on roads at night.
Many of us HAVE cellphones, but we do not rely on it. Land lines are quite reliable to me. I don't remember the last time they we're down.
Dogs do roam the streets, but we DON'T eat them. If a dog is hit by a car, they are usually removed from the streets. "[E]specially black ones," psh, please...
We have three swimming parks: Onward, Tarza, and PIC.
Guam only requires customs forms to the US if the packages pass a certain weight.
And lastly, "things" as in what?
I live on Guam and this is a horrible depiction of my island. It is really VERY beautiful. We are friendly and hospitable. I hope you'll check your facts again before you wrongfully portray Guam in a bad light.
@Simeon:
Guam celebrates Liberation Day on July 21. It's a big deal. We have a huge parade and a month long carnival.
I agree w/some of the things you have to say, but, you are a little harsh. I have been here 5 yrs and as far as relationships with the general public, Gov't offices, and the younger generation (of all nationality)- has gotten significantly worse. I have been discriminated against for being non-native and military more than when I first moved here and loved it as not my second home, but, my only home.
The ignorance displayed by everyone who loves to jump on the band wagon is awesome. Even some of my friends(local) don't associate w/ my wife and I anymore because we are a military couple and their family and friends have persuaded them that we are a piece of the problem puzzle. Wake up Guam. I miss the old you..
I can only pray that my neighbors will pray for me. Guam is a home to alot more than just military.
If we can speculate how horrible it is that the military is here, can't we do the same as if they never came? Think about it Guam. Do a hypothetical experiment in your head. I am curious to hear what you all came up with.
I was in the Navy and stationed on Guam with
Squadron VQ-1 back in the 80's. I found Guam to be quite beautiful and pleasing. I had Chamorro friends, and they allowed me into their families. I believe if you had a bad experience on Guam, it may be because you might have offended the locals in some way for them not to trust you. If there is anyone that see's this, and you are on Guam, I would love for you to contact me. gordon_levine@yahoo.com
Very interesting - now I am very excited for my adult children and my grandchildren to move to Guam where they will work hard and part of what I now understand is a welcoming people. There is always the element of negative and danger in any society. This site has given me hope and put my heart and mind at peace. Thank you ... blessings to all
I am looking for some information about public school in Guam. I have 2 daughters, one in elementary school and the other one in middle. Do you have any suggestions about good puclic schools?
Please don't come to Guam!
All-
Please note that this hub stereotypes Guam and its people. Fortunately, many readers above have attempted to clarify things. Still, the overall angle of this article is disappointing to anyone who is truly reflective about Guam. To the author, please, please, please, either revise this page, or simply remove it. simply letting it stand, with comments below, is disrespectful to the island, for many people read articles but not comments on them. Guam is not paradise, of course, as it is a real place and not beholden to the requirements of anyone's fantasies. It has many challenges related to the economy and to the process of transitioning from being dominated by Spanish and USA influences to becoming increasingly autonomous. Even with these challenges, though, I strongly believe that many places within the mainland USA could learn infinitely more from Guam than the other way around. Here, communities band together to ensure members get what they need, and in spite of the impositions Guam has faced, local people are incredibly open to people coming in from outside. The Chamorro culture is resilient and practices foregiveness in a very genuine way. The diversity here and how it is nurtured is fascinating and insightful to anywhere that struggles with multicultural challenges. Overally, I am deeply thankful for having moved to Guam eight years ago, and am happier living here than I was in each of the nine states I lived in before settling here. If you are open to trying to live in a way that is respectful to the people and the cultures here, and can accept some of the infrastructural challenges endemic to places that struggle economically, Guam is an amazing place to visit or reside.
Hello everyone! I am getting ready to relocate to Guam for about 3 years and have heard many rumors. I am looking forward to this experience and coming to your beautiful island. Reading the responses to Anekas post has helped dispell many of the concerns I was having about moving. I work for one of the Companies that will be building the new hospital and we are interested in not only profiting but also giving back to the local community. See you in November.
Guam has turned into all these negative things, because the U.S. came into the island & took over. Guam is beautiful & the people of Guam welcomed, though "did not have a choice", many foreigners to reside on the island.
Actually, I lived on Guam for a while.
The post isn't that far off. Things are expensive, more so than in the states. It's hot; it is a tropical island after all! And the primary industries are tourism, military, and Gov Guam. Traffic is abysmal, and is only going to get worse as the military build up continues while the Feds and local gov can only think to expand roads instead of implement alternative traffic solutions. Housing is terribly expensive, b/c the military gives stipends to all of its people, which they need to use or lose, and this jacks up the local rentals for the rest of the population.
Health care is downright scary (Guam Memorial Hospital regularly is behind in paying its vendors) and the public school system leaves much to be desired. Just read the Guam news reports for the almost weekly coverage of Gov Guam services (or lack thereof).
I think the author is correct in that if you are an "intense" personality type A person, then it'll take a little more time to adjust to the island life.
But, despite all the negatives, the island life will add years to your lifespan, as people are friendly, they don't get so bent out of shape like us mainlanders, and things are more laid back.
Personally, it took me about three months before I actually fell in love with the place. Guam needs some better shopping and a Trader Joe's, but with the sun, sand, and friendly faces, who could really want much more? If you're into outdoor activities (diving, jungle hikes, beaches) and you love to travel to other exotic places (Philippines is only 3 hours by plane), then you'll probably like Guam.
If you're a mall shopper, like your daily Starbuck's (Guam doesn't have a Starbuck's), and love indoor activities, then Guam is definitely not for you.
Hope this helps!
I lived in Guam and loved every second of it. I attended their schools younger and moved to the US older.I have graduated from college in the U.S and was not behind at all. I also have never eaten any dog or any color, and don't lack in character or morals in any way. The only down side to the island for me was the rain. However i would take a few days of rain over 2 feet of snow any day! You really should get the facts before attempting to make an opinion and posting it publicly.
How do they cook the black dogs? Recipes please. Are white dogs not appetizing?
How are the living expenses there?
What about the colleges?
I've been offered a job in Guam. Glad I read all the reply's to this bullshit, dipshit blog, I was worried for a second there.
I was stationed with NSWG-1 and lived on Guam for about 2 years from 2002-2004. My husband and 2 kids and my sister lived there with me. My sister even graduated from the now closed JFK High School. We were there for 2 typhoons We were without water and electricity for nearly a month during our first Christmas on the island. (lived out in town...not on base.) Those times we "suffered" through the lack of modern conveniences are actually fond memories for my kids....no TV or electricity, but lots of neighborhood block parties to use up the food and lots of family togetherness. We all absolutely loved Guam. In fact, if there was any way I could make a living there I would go back and never leave. And this is after having lived in Hawaii and Italy and California and Florida. None of them have comared to my time in Guam.
I never experienced any discrimination at all...I am white. I never experienced any hatred toward the military...in fact I was awe struck by the amount of patriotism displayed by the residents of Guam on several occasions. There were block after block of military supporters lined up down Marine (Corps!!) Drive on Veteran's Day, waving flags and home made signs THANKING US!! Never saw that kind of appreciation growing up 2 blocks from a military base in California.
The beaches are amazing (well, maybe not Tumon...no fish), the reef and Piti Pier are amazing for snorkeling and diving, you can pull over along many areas of the southern tip and have a beach entirely to yourself. If you don't like water then go "Boonie Stomping" through the jungle or visit water falls and old abandoned military relics.
Yes, there is corruption (miss those funny Malafunkshun songs!), and the infrastructure wasn't the greatest (way too many boil water notices), but Guam is beautiful, it's people are beautiful and their culture is warm and accepting of anyone. So it is not like living stateside...well, I'd say that's a compliment. I would rather live on Guam where family life is put before material possessions ANY DAY!! Guam is where my heart is.
You don't know what your talking about
Dearest Aneka,
YOU ARE STUPID.
If you are white, do not come to Guam. Natives do not want you and will do everything to make your life miserable. It is pretty much the same situation like in Hawaii. You will be called names and constantly provoked.
However, if you are any other race other than white, then you should feel welcomed. Natives can be very hospitable and nice (as long as you are not white).
Stop degrading Guam because you're just honestly pathetic. It sounds like you've had a bad experience on Guam, but doesn't mean you should talk low of it. Our island is like this because you people state side can't even help out a territory of the U.S. What happened to One Nation? Are you like retarded? Get a life. If the President at least helped us, life wouldn't be like this on Guam. Instead of putting down your country, help it. If not, then just back off.
I was looking up on Guam and saw this . My girlfriends family is from Guam . Her and her family just recently moved BACK to Guam . They are Chamorro . Her whole family is . They've taught me a lot about the way Guam is and how people are . And Guam in general . Ive never been personally but i will be moving there soon . Shes told me about the boony dogs ( if thats how you spell it ) About the schools (which she said arnt that bad) She said the beaches are wonderful and the hikes her mother directs are amazing . ive gotten many pictures along with videos . i know i shouldnt be commenting because i have never been to Guam but i agree with most people who have commented to . You shouldnt write on something you know nothing about . leave that to the natives . They will know more then anyone , even the people who spend years studying Guam . Leave it to them . Dont write this page on what you think Guam really is then ask about jobs on Guam ? After getting yourself chewed out as well . No disrespect but your out of turn . i cant wait to move to Guam . I dont care what anyone says .
Gaum is just anwful place to live. We are in the military on yes our second tour here and the racism is incredible. They hate whites and they hate the military or basically anyone with an education. If your related to someone in a particular job, no problem is lacking credentials, your hired. The people have this thing called Island BS, they want to be Hawaiians but their just not quite there. They think they are better than the Filippinos as well. They will rip you off and steal anything they can from you.
two tears to a bucket, you obviously were acquainted with untrustworthy Guam posers, and like anywhere in this earth, people run into others that rub them the wrong way, Duh, common sense tells you to steer away from them. Guam is sluggish in areas and there is truth to things you say but open up your eyes and mind, Guam is overpopulated with the neighboring islands making it an upgrade of the Micronesian Territories and your influence may be based on another culture such as yourself behaving in such a superior attitude. I don't like the white people because drugs, pornography, heinous crimes against another human being was conspired first by the white people, all the way back from trying to tell Kunta Kinte that his name is Toby. How's that for black history education, and spell Guam correctly so you can pose as an educated white person. I bet you a dollar, you like our tan skin tone and you love our food! Well, I Never! I still got love for you though, whoevr the fuck you are! lmaol
Thanks I appreciate it, but I'm not white silly Gaumanian, I spell Gaum wrong on purpose, but I got's love for you. Toby was a good dude.
I really like your hub, thank you for putting it up .
wow! i don't even know what to say!! u people should go back to where you are from, leave the island to our island people... after vacationing in the mainland I thought there could be no better place than here
This is funny.
This is really funny.
Guam is....Guam, simply.
If you don't want to be hated for "being white", don't remind everyone you're white. I can honestly say that if you're white, 80% of the time you ever feel hate for your race are on you.
Some of the smartest people I know are from the public school system, btw.
Every culture has its good and bad things. I rather enjoy Guam. Sometimes when a person gets turned down for a job they want to hate and be anger because they are taking it personally. I think if you put more thought into being creative you would have a job being your own boss. Dont forget this person if from Cali. and they have all the answers just like the people in Guam.
My husband & I have traveled throughout the world quite extensively. And between the two of us, we have been fortunate enough to be able to call Guam home on five separate occasions. Notice - I said fortunate!
Although, I know everyone is entitled to his or her opinion(s); I became rather upset by "Aneka's" post. As an American, I am flat out offended; Chamorros are freaking AMERICAN CITIZENS lady! And being the type of American that I am, I don't appreciate any given group of U.S.A. citizens being made to look as if he or she is some how less developed/evolved than the main body of it's other population. Personally, I wish the rest of us Americans had more of the moral character that is found extensively through the Chamorro people! Furthermore, I find it comforting and inspiring that they aren't prone to diluting their culture. HAFA ADAI!!
Yes, expensive, but remember - location, location, location. In all the total years that I called Guam home, I never once went or looked outside and did not have my heart lifted by the sheer natural beauty of it all. Furthermore, I'm glad it's expensive; the Chamorro people and their lands have gone through sheer hell and back again, and I fully endorse any financial gain that they can reap.
The weather is sublime (typhoons, rain, and all)! Who not in their right mind wouldn't want to live in a place, where you don't have to fight nature in order to live? I don't know, I don't get that. Plus humidity and (protected) sun exposure are great for the skin, as well as, the respiratory system.
In all my time there, my findings are: without being biased, the cops don't play (in other words, they do their job); have never had some arbitrary or violent crime committed against my person or belongings (nor to my knowledge, did it occur to anyone else that I know); unless there was some really, really bad weather, I never lost power for any noticeable amount of time (lived on based, in town, and out in the boonies); the brown tree snake problem has almost been eradicated (2010 perspective), and ... AS YOU CAN SEE, I COULD GO ON AND ON!
Let me just end with this; it really is paradise!
P.S. The traffic is no different from any other highly desired U.S. locale (think LA; Atlanta; Manhattan; Chicago; etc.). There is actually better - they had a great grasp on reliable carpooling long before the mainland did.
I took a job as a security guard in a hotel right after I retired from the Navy and since it is a very popular hotel among the locals, on the weekends we have a large local occupancy. Working in a hotel favored by the locals, I realize that Chamorros in general are very nice people, but there is always the occasional idiot Chamorro that thinks that just because the hotel is build in Guam they have a right to do whatever they please. I can’t count the times some idiot Chamorro lowlife told me that “this is my island you fucking hollie so don’t tell me what to do!” when they are breaking the hotel policies.
I would LOVE to move there and would if I knew I could get a job or be self-employed.
Ryan Hupfer 3 years ago
Awesome Hub, but I would love to see some pics! Can you add some? :)