We’re here! It’s hard to imagine that Josh and I actually live on a tropical island, 
but I guess it’s official now. We’ve been in Guam for a few weeks, and we’re really starting to settle in. Life has been pretty crazy so far; it’s amazing how many extra tasks are associated with a military move and an overseas move. I’ve done lots of running around trying to tie up loose ends, but it’s finally starting to slow down. Josh has jumped right in to his work, and so far, he likes it a lot. He enjoys everyone in his office, and he’s also enjoying finally being a member of the workforce instead of a perpetual student. He goes to court for the first time next week, so we’ll see how he likes that. What a difference a year makes!
We arrived on island on April 8th to find half of Josh's command and a basketful of goodies waiting for us at the airport. What a welcome!
We had almost a week to begin settling in before Josh began work. Most of that time actually was consumed with busy work related to settling in, but we still were able to take in the beauty of our new home. The spectacular scenery of lush vegetation, palm trees, and crystal clear water is unavoidable on such a tiny island. Everywhere we went, from the Navy Base to check in, to the car dealership to get our loaner car, to the cell phone provider to get new phone numbers, was absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to stay in a beachfront hotel for our first week, so we had an incredible view of the water from our balcony. We were also able to see some wonderful sunsets. We got pretty spoiled, but our current housing isn’t much to complain about…we’re on the 11th floor of a beachfront apartment complex with another million-dollar balcony view! So, life is good!
Despite all of the craziness of settling in, Josh and I have still been able to make time to explore parts of Guam. We’ve snorkeled at a few breathtaking beaches, and we’ve even
had a chance to swim in a natural saltwater pool separated from the breaking waves only by huge blocks of coral. We can’t get over how clear the water is here…it’s like swimming in an enormous tropical aquarium. We have seen some magnificent fish, and we’ve been able to take some pretty clear pictures just standing above the water looking at them. Our only complaint about the beaches is the amount of coral in the sand. We’re used to the soft sand of California beaches, but here in Guam, you wear shoes to take a walk on the beach unless you want to take a painful coral souvenir home in your heel.
Tropical fish are not the only creature in abundance here in Guam.
There are also stray dogs and cats, colorful spiders, beach crabs, giant hermit crabs, geckos, brown tree snakes (though they are shy and only come out at night), and free-roaming roosters, chickens, and chicks. Occasionally, you may see a few goats or even a caribou (water buffalo) tethered in a field by the side of the road. In short, Guam is not for the animal “unfriendly!”
Josh and I have not explored the whole island as of yet (give us time!), but we have been able to drive around most of the island to at least see the main sights. We’re really looking forward to getting to know the island a little better as time goes on, and obviously, we’re looking forward to traveling to surrounding islands, as well. But, for now, we’ll focus on Guam so that we can be professional tour guides by the time our first visitors arrive. Speaking of which, who’s coming first?! :-)
but I guess it’s official now. We’ve been in Guam for a few weeks, and we’re really starting to settle in. Life has been pretty crazy so far; it’s amazing how many extra tasks are associated with a military move and an overseas move. I’ve done lots of running around trying to tie up loose ends, but it’s finally starting to slow down. Josh has jumped right in to his work, and so far, he likes it a lot. He enjoys everyone in his office, and he’s also enjoying finally being a member of the workforce instead of a perpetual student. He goes to court for the first time next week, so we’ll see how he likes that. What a difference a year makes!We arrived on island on April 8th to find half of Josh's command and a basketful of goodies waiting for us at the airport. What a welcome!
We had almost a week to begin settling in before Josh began work. Most of that time actually was consumed with busy work related to settling in, but we still were able to take in the beauty of our new home. The spectacular scenery of lush vegetation, palm trees, and crystal clear water is unavoidable on such a tiny island. Everywhere we went, from the Navy Base to check in, to the car dealership to get our loaner car, to the cell phone provider to get new phone numbers, was absolutely beautiful. We were fortunate to stay in a beachfront hotel for our first week, so we had an incredible view of the water from our balcony. We were also able to see some wonderful sunsets. We got pretty spoiled, but our current housing isn’t much to complain about…we’re on the 11th floor of a beachfront apartment complex with another million-dollar balcony view! So, life is good!Despite all of the craziness of settling in, Josh and I have still been able to make time to explore parts of Guam. We’ve snorkeled at a few breathtaking beaches, and we’ve even
had a chance to swim in a natural saltwater pool separated from the breaking waves only by huge blocks of coral. We can’t get over how clear the water is here…it’s like swimming in an enormous tropical aquarium. We have seen some magnificent fish, and we’ve been able to take some pretty clear pictures just standing above the water looking at them. Our only complaint about the beaches is the amount of coral in the sand. We’re used to the soft sand of California beaches, but here in Guam, you wear shoes to take a walk on the beach unless you want to take a painful coral souvenir home in your heel.Tropical fish are not the only creature in abundance here in Guam.
There are also stray dogs and cats, colorful spiders, beach crabs, giant hermit crabs, geckos, brown tree snakes (though they are shy and only come out at night), and free-roaming roosters, chickens, and chicks. Occasionally, you may see a few goats or even a caribou (water buffalo) tethered in a field by the side of the road. In short, Guam is not for the animal “unfriendly!”Josh and I have not explored the whole island as of yet (give us time!), but we have been able to drive around most of the island to at least see the main sights. We’re really looking forward to getting to know the island a little better as time goes on, and obviously, we’re looking forward to traveling to surrounding islands, as well. But, for now, we’ll focus on Guam so that we can be professional tour guides by the time our first visitors arrive. Speaking of which, who’s coming first?! :-)
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