Issue 14: Road Trip Through Central Guam (Part I)
Stroll through Hagåtña on Foot and Play the Color Game With Us!
Hi Friends!
Spring is here along with more sunshine, pollen and light (sometimes heavy) sprinkling. We’ve been outside soaking up all the sun and taking in as much fresh air we can get. There’s nothing quite like slowing down and taking a long stroll every once in a while. As we continue our road trip around the island, we embrace the beauty of Hagåtña on foot.
Of course, we must sustain ourselves by having a stash of food and drinks with every stroll. We played the color game with our snacks, which was vividly fun! Keep reading to see how to play!
P.S. There’s still time to join our SECOND giveaway. Win a $50 Fuel and Merchandise Card from 76 Circle K + a Week to Weekend tote bag by entering here. Our subscribers get an automatic entry!
See you guys next week!
❤️ WW Gals
Walk with Us: Hagåtña and Tutuhan
(Source: Guampedia and Mayors’ Council of Guam)
Hagåtña
There are so many layers of history in Hagåtña. We recommend reading this article by Guampedia to understand more about our capital’s resilient history.
💭 Did you know
The word haga means blood; the village name derives from the bloodlines of the CHamoru families who helped establish the village.
According to carbon dating, research shows that Hagåtña was inhabited 3,020 years ago. This means that people were living there before the latte.
Have you heard of the Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail? This trail is 1.6 miles long and features 17 historical sites throughout the capital; it is a project developed by the Hagåtña Foundation in partnership with the Government of Guam and the US Department of Interior.
Tutuhan (Agana Heights)
Above Hagåtña is the village of Agana Heights. From Fort Santa Agueda, commonly known as Fort Apugan, you can see panoramic views of the island’s capital.
💭 Did you know:
The village name derives from the CHamoru word tutuhon, which means “to begin, start, or set out.” Many elders say the name was derived from the trail along the cliff line between the Government House and Fort Apugan.
Before the war, the village was primarily farmland for residents living in Hagåtña.
After World War II ended in 1944, the village became a resettlement community for residents of old Hagåtña.
Afternoon Exploring Hagåtña on Foot
Here’s our afternoon itinerary:
📍 Start at Fort Santa Agueda (Fort Apugan)
Fort Apugan is the only surviving Spanish fort in Hagåtña. The fort was built for defense during the Spanish era.
Stop 2: Senator Angel Santos Memorial Latte Stone Park
This park was named after Senator Angel Santos, an icon of CHamoru activism who fought to implement the CHamoru Land Trust Act.
Stop 3: Plaza de España + Guam Green Growth Community Garden
Only several structures are standing today in Plaza de España, including the Azotea, Garden House, and Chocolate House. Don’t forget to check out the Guam Green Growth Community Garden right across from the Hagåtña Post Office.
The project is part of an island-wide Guam Green Growth initiative to help create tangible and sustainable solutions that align with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability Development Goals. Please be mindful of their garden rules!
Stop 4: Chamorro Village
What started as a farmers market in the 60s became a public market for produce and local foods. Take a Deeper Dive into Chamorro Village with Issue 10: Everyone Brings Something to the Table 🥭
Picnic Game
Our version of the color game that we remember as children at the carnival… but with a guaranteed win of yummy snacks. This is a creative way to add some color and empty calories into your life whether it’s for a movie night with friends, a picnic at the park, or even a game to play with the siblings. You can do this with a healthy snack theme too!
Here’s how it works:
Choose three or four colors. We chose green, blue, yellow, and red. 🍎🍯🥝🫐
Everyone chooses a snack, drink, or food item with that color. If you choose a drink, make sure there’s enough for everyone! 🧃
We went to 76 Circle K to stock up (because they have an amazing snack selection😉) and play the game.
Here’s what we got:
Wanna play? Show us your snacks by tagging us on our IG for a feature!
Legend of Sirena
There once was a girl who was deeply in love with the water. So much that she often disobeyed her mother when it came to menial house chores that would groom her to be a wife and mother one day.
Instead of fulfilling her obligations, Sirena would spend hours swimming in the waters, avoiding the reality that awaited her at home. Raged and angered, her nåna cursed her, which caused Sirena to run away. Watching her goddaughter flee to the ocean, Sirena’s nina only wished her peace and happiness while her legs turned into fins, transforming her into a mermaid.
“Sirena hated disobeying and displeasing the woman who took care of her. But since she lived near the water and smelled and breathed and listened to it, Sirena wanted to swim. The desire, she felt, was harmless enough. She instinctively knew that each time she fearlessly swam against the ocean currents and swam as quick as the seabirds flew in the sky, she knew that i Tasi gifted her with its deep knowledge. The ocean had powers to wake her soul. In the water she was free. And she was home. Nothing in her life made her happier.” - CHamoru Legends: A Gathering of Stories
See Ya Next Week!
We’re diving into our last road trip next week ❤️
You might have noticed that we did not include our regular “Events” section in this newsletter, but not to worry! We gathered all the upcoming events for April here.
Don’t forget to follow us on our adventures on IG. This newsletter is made with lots of love and a ridiculous amount of coffee. And no, we’re not about that ChatGPT. You can support us by sharing our newsletter with your homies and/or by showing some love on Buy Me a Coffee ☕️