GUAM, USA

World Tour of 2013
With Brigit and Sophia (Sonya)
Guam, USA, March 13, 2013

Bidding Australia farewell, the Pacific Princess exits the Great Barrier Reef and follows a North Easterly course across the Coral Sea to enter the Soloman Sea and then the Bismarck Sea, passing Papua New Guinea and 100's of other islands, along the way for Guam. 

Guam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean.  A coral reef with deep water surrounds most of Guam.  Sandy beaches, rock cliffs and mangroves characterise the coastline.

The Chamorro people first settled in the Marianas 1500 B.C.  Westerners arrived in 1521, when Magellan landed in Guam during his circumnavigation of the globe.  By 1890, fighting and European introduced diseases had reduced the native population by an astounding 95%, to around 5,000.  Spain ruled the islands as a colony until the U.S. took control during the Spanish American War.  After the defeat of Spain by the US in 1898, Guam was ceded to the US. 

The island was twice the scene of combat during World War II - first when the Japanese invaded in 1941 and again when American forces liberated the island in 1944.  Guam's strategic location led to the establishment of permanent American military facilities on the island. 

As our Princess ship approaches Apra Harbor, we gaze out upon a historic shoreline stretching away to the north and south on either side of the harbor entrance.  To the north (portside) lie the Asan invasion beaches where 3rd Marine Division stormed ashore on July 21, 1944.  To the south (starboard side) lie the Agat invasion beaches where the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and the 77th Army Division landed.  Behind this vista lie high ridges and mountains where the Japanese had excellent defensive positions.  As we enter the harbor we sail by the cliff-lined Orote Peninsula.  This was the site of the highly prized Japanese airfield and scene of intense combat as US forces executed a pricision movement from either side to capture the site.  The bitter struggle for Guam was over by August 10 and resulted in over 18,000 Japanese killed and almost 8,000 US troops killed and wounded. 

Today Guam is America's most important Pacific airbase.  With thousands of personnel, the Navel and Airforce bases handle all types of aircraft in the US arsenal and stand ready to project air power to any point in the Pacific/Asian region.


Latte Stone Park
Our day on Guam takes us back to the past with scenic drives through villages onto Latte Stone Park.  This verdant park in Hagatna features latte stones, ancient coral-topped pillars on which Chamorro houses were erected as early as 1100 to 1700 A.D.  Unique to the region, these architectural ruins exist in limestone, sandstone and basalt.

Today, the enduring latte are found in coastal areas and in river valleys.  The latter are the prominent remnants of the earlier Chamorro culture of the Mariana Islands.  Each latte is comprised of two stones.  The shaft stone placed on the ground is the haligi, and the cap stone is the tasa.  The latte were placed in parallel rows, consisting of three to seven latter per rom.  Latte vary in height from less than 3 feet to 18 feet.

Principally found on the islands of Guam, Rota, Tiniam and Saipan, latte were used as foundations of important structures in Chamorro villages.  Their use in the Chamorro culture vanished when the Spanish devastated the islands in the 1600s.

 

This latte site is a classic example of the archeological ruins found only on Guam and the other island's of the Marianas.

WW II Japanese dugout found in park

Inside dugout

A Latte Stone park sign with quote by Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos

War In The Pacific National Historic Park
We continue on to Asan, a primary landing site for the U.S. Marines when Guam was being liberated from the Japanese during World War II.  Former WWII battlefields, gun stations, trenches and structures bring Guam's grueling war battles to life at this historic national park that also amazes with brilliant turquoise waters, sandy beaches and snorkeling.

The national park's Asan overlook gives us a breathtaking vista of this invasion area. 

A sculpted bronze relief illustrates the invasion, occupation and liberation of Guam. Designed by an American sculptor, this inspiring tribute was added to the park in 1994 in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the island's liberation.

 

Nearby stands a memorial wall featuring 90 plaques that feature the names of U.S. soldiers and Guam citizens who sacrificed their lives fighting for Guam's freedom.

Standing near the edge of the area, we take in panoramic views of Asan landing beach, where the 3rd Marine Division came ashore for the initial assault against Japanese troops.

We spend time exploring the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Museum.

The War in the Pacific National Historical Park Museum houses a stunning collection of artifacts and memorials that bring Guam's gripping role in WW II to life.

 

This two man Japanese submarine ran aground at Guam's Togcha Beach in mid-August 1944 while on mission to attack American shores facilities.

The people of Guam enjoy freedom after WWII

We continue on to Plaza de Espana

Home to the Governor's Palace during Spanish occupation, this lush 350-year-old plaza was destroyed during World War II.  We marvel at the original arched gate.  We enjoy time to explore the spacious grounds and ruins, which include the foundation of the original palace.

Here we present our tour guide Jireena Blas a crystal heart in the name of peace and love.  Mrs. Blas told us of a local custom called, "Enoughamalick" (sp?), which translates:
"To set things straight and to make things right" and "To move in direction of understanding each other".   The people of Guam have been through much and learned the great lesson of forgiveness.

With so much input on Guam's role in WW II and the fight and liberation of Guam, what better way to end the day than a stop at Chamorroa Village.  Here we savor the aromas of this lively farmer's market and shopping village where we find an array of foods and local handicrafts.

We spot a Korean film company making a movie at Guam's Chamorroa Village. 

We conclude our interesting day on Guam with a ride back to our ship and give thanks to the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

P.S.  I stood at the edge of the Asan landing beach, where I could feel "the records" come alive with fighting. I closed my eyes and invoked a oneness of my will with Divine Will, as I opened a portal of light with Archangel Michael and Archangel Uriel as Gatekeepers to the Doorway.  With the assistance of  Legions of Angels, all trapped souls were assisted through the Doorway of Light to reclaim their Soul's journey in wholeness and light.

Lots of love to you all! 
Talk to you soon.  Love, Brigit and Sophia

*****