Latitude13

Gadao's Cave

I visited Gadao's Cave for the first time. It was super easy to get to and I was surprised to see other pictographs on the walls of the cave because all I've ever seen are pictures of the one famous pictograph. The cave is located on Inarajan bay, on the opposite side from Gef Pago. If you're coming from Gef Pago, drive to the other side of the bay, take the right turn there and go all the way down to the private property sign. Park on the side of the road outside the private property area and the trail is on the right.

I was very glad to not see any trash or graffiti around inside the cave. I hiked down to Pagat cave a few weeks ago and was so disappointed and disgusted to see so much trash, appliances and abandoned cars along the trail. I even saw pile of christmas decorations that had the Guam Seal on them and it looked like someone had tried to burn. When I got to the entrance of the cave there was a large group of locals getting ready to go inside and I saw they were carrying two cases of beer with them. I hope with all my heart that they took all their trash with them when they left.

A group of volunteers went down to clean up the area on Valentine's Day which was a good idea. It's not easy to argue that you want to keep an area of land open to the public because it's treasured historical property when it looks like an illegal dumpsite.

Takeout Made Easier

If you order takeout as much as I do, you'll find this site handy.

More On The Guam Military Buildup

Excellent interview with Michael Lujan Bevacqua who breaks down what the military buildup means for Guam and our Mariana Island neighbors and how you can become informed and get involved. "No matter what you feel about the buildup, everybody has to accept the fact that it's going to radically change Guam."

Alfa Romeo Expedition Features Guam

They certainly can't get any lower. Alfa Romeo places a billboard on the lowest point on earth which happens to be 20 miles off the shore of Guam: the Marianas Trench.

Zip Fiji

Soaring through the jungle in Fiji is good times!

Hilarious Parody Of Guam Politics

Watch the others in the series:
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Buildup Blues

Senator B.J. Cruz of the Guam Legislature takes us for a spin to show us some of the devastation that the proposed military buildup will bring.

PBS: The Marines Are Landing

"This week, NOW on PBS travels to the U.S. territory of Guam to find out whether their environment and infrastructure can support such a large and quick infusion of people, and why the buildup is vital to our national security."

Fiji Fashion

I googled "How to fend off cannibals" because I'm going to Fiji next week and then I realized the cannibals live in Papua New Guinea. Totally different island. Sorry, Fiji, my bad. We're cool, right?

"Do not wear hats while you are traveling in Fiji as this is regarded as a sign of disrespect." I also may not touch anyone's head and I may not wear anything that bares shoulders or legs. AND I've been told I might have to wear a muumuu to a reception thingy. A muumuu! I might as well borrow someone's burqa. Do you have one?

Discover Guam

I just watched Discover Guam, a documentary about Guam produced by Jon Tanuvasa of Timecode Productions. Two years in the making, the hour-long documentary contains beautiful footage of Guam and interviews with people about Guam history and culture and a special features section. I think every Chamorro should have a copy of this in their library. It's a great gift to send to islanders who no longer live on Guam or who have never been to the island they're from (there are a lot of those, you know).

The dvd is available at Bestseller for $15. Check out myspace.com/aglimpseofguam for clips from the documentary or email timecode671 (at) hotmail (dot) com for more information and get your copy in time for the holidays! Support local artists!

Well done! I'm inspired to make a film of my own.

Racking Up Mileage

I'm gearing up for my first trip to "The States" in 15 years. I'll be in Houston for 2 days for Julie and Ken's wedding and then up to Boise to spend Thanksgiving with my father, sister and niece. I just know there's going to be some culture shock...hopefully no jet lag. I've started fasting in preparation for a Krispy Kreme explosion.

My flight itinerary is crazy. Guam to Tokyo to LA to Houston. Then Houston to Minneapolis to Boise. Then Boise to Portland to Tokyo to Guam. All of the stops are under 3 hours. I am super excited about this adventure!

I hope you are doing well. Are you?

A Tribute To A Legend

Guambats, don't miss the Stevie Wonder Tribute this Tuesday night at Colors Restaurant/RED. It's going to be a great show featuring all local musicians!

And no, Stevie Wonder is not dead. He's alive and well. One doesn't have to wait until a person dies to pay tribute. ;)

Remember This?

I was eating chocolate-covered almonds and was reminded of Joe's Apartment.

Let This Be The End Of All The Buzz

In today's Marianas Variety: "Fundraiser for crash victim is alcohol-free."

Stay The Course

From Joy, Jessica's mother:

"Jess has made dramatic improvements but we must still remain guarded. I want you to know that Jilette informed me of the MV article. I am sure you and all of Jessica's friends are very upset about it. The article was harsh and did not take into account the other side of Jess that we all know. How loving and caring she is, how she is a wonderful mother to Mason, how she takes her job seriously at ST, and I just could go on and on.

What matters is what we know about Jess. I just want you to know that you all have organized her fundraiser with great care taking the sensitivity of alcohol into great consideration. Colors Red is the appropriate venue because everyone there truly cares for Jess. Please tell everyone to ignore the article and comments and stay the course. You all are wonderful people and I am so touched by all of you."