Issue 16: Recapping Our Island Road Trips 🚗 🌊🥤
From the hills to the sea and everything in-between
Hi Friends,
We just wrapped up our month-long road trip exploring the northern, central, and southern villages of Guam. What a way to rest and recharge! Spring’s not only about releasing the old and welcoming the new, but it’s also the season to pause and reflect.
During our village road trip, we learned new facts about our island and also discovered things about ourselves by meeting new people along the way. Grab your keys and hit the road. We promise you won’t regret it! 🙂
Much love,
WW 💛
P.S. Here are some sweet beats for when you hit the streets 😏
See: Tanguisson Beach
Do: Horseback riding at Rock n’ Rail Horse Ranch – they’ve been around for over 40 years!
Learn: Get to know our local farmers at the Dededo Farmers Market. We chatted with Mr. Joaquin Naputi, a farmer and retired Deputy Director of the Guam Department of Agriculture. Mr. Naputi believes that if every household plants ten of every fruit/vegetable bearing tree, we can get “Guam growing again.”
💭 Did you know that within the last 40 years, Guam farmers have gone from providing 40% - 60% of the island's produce to less than 10%?
Read Issue 13: Road Trip Up North for Sun Soaking Fun ☀️
Hagåtña and Tutuhan
See: Latte Stone Park and visit the Guam Green Growth Community Garden located in Hagåtña (across the Post Office).
Do: Go on the Hagåtña Heritage Walking Trail. It covers 17 historical sites through the island’s capital, starting at Fort Apugan and ending at the Cormoran Monument.
Learn: Visit the Chamorro Village and chat with Mr. Manny Dueñas from the Fishermen’s Co-op and Dr. Marilyn Salas from Salas Gardens.
💭 Did you know that a single fishing trip can cost about $200, and there isn’t always a guaranteed catch. The average career span of a fisherman is now 3-5 years. As costs continue to rise, many of our local fishermen are forced to join other workforces.
Read Issue 14 Road Trip Through Central Guam (Part I) & Issue 10: Everyone Brings Something to the Table 🥭
Asan and Piti
See: Emerald Bay
Do: Quick hike to Piti Guns for some WWII history.
Learn: Did you know that Asan Beach was once an imprisonment camp for exiled Filipino rebels? Paralyzed 30-year-old Apolonario Mabini was considered the brains of the revolution and was exiled to Guam for refusing to take the U.S. Oath of Allegiance.
Read Issue 15: A "Sweet" Leisurely Stroll Through Central (Part II) 🍋
See: Fouha Rock, also known as the “Creation Point,” and the origin of Guam’s creation story.
Do: Explore Humåtak on foot
Learn: Did you know that the San Dionisio Church was originally built in 1681? The church has an ironic history of being destroyed and rebuilt three times; first by rebelling Chamorros, then by a devastating typhoon, and finally by an earthquake.
Read Issue 12: Road Trip for Some Southern Comfort
What We Learned
Even as long-time residents of Guam, we have our fair share of “one day” and “some days” when exploring new hiking trails and carving out R&R days at the beach.
While we spent a month soaking in some Vitamin D + Vitamin Sea, the best gift was meeting such amazing people and witnessing them do what they love.
Mr. Noh @ Tanguisson Beach – “When I clean, I feel good. It feels good”
On our way back from Tanguisson Beach, we met Mr. Noh, an elderly man camped alongside the rocky path covered by trees. He had his beach chair with empty containers of Jack-in-the-Box neatly stacked next to it and a radio playing Korean sports commentary. We watched as he swept and raked all the fallen leaves to the side, exposing the sandy platforms that looked like a well-manicured zen garden.
We asked Mr. Noh why he was cleaning, and he replied, “When I clean, I feel good. It feels good.”
Our crossing of paths got us thinking:
In what ways can we help maintain the beauty of our island?
How else can we be accountable for one another?
How can small actions ripple into impactful changes?
🌞 Benefits of Soaking in the Sun & Sea
💭 Did you know…
Exposure to the morning sun can help regulate your sleep patterns. Don’t forget to wear sunblock to protect your skin from those nasty UV Rays 😎 Read how sunlight affects your body here.
The sound of waves can help calm your nervous system. Try to play meditative sounds of the ocean next time you are about to get into a heated argument with your significant other 🌊 Read more here.
Walking barefoot on the sand not only exfoliates those calloused heels but also helps to strengthen your leg and back muscles. Read more here.
Swimming in the ocean can be beneficial for those suffering from sinus issues. The natural saltwater helps to clear your mucus. Read more here.
April Village Festivals
🥥 Agana Heights Coconut Festival – April 14 - 16, 2023
Get all your coconut fixes this weekend at the annual Agana Heights Coconut Festival. From coconut candy to månha tityas, enjoy these sweet delights while admiring the panoramic views of Hagåtña.
📍Location: Fort Apugan
⏰ Times:
Friday, April 14: 4 PM - 10 PM
Saturday, April 15: 4 PM - 10 PM
Sunday, April 16: 12 PM - 6 PM
🍌 Talo’fo’fo Banana Festival – April 21 - 23, 2023
Go bananas with all the classic favorites like buñelos aga and fried banana lumpia.
👀 BOLO: Mr. Naputi will give away 200 pineapple plants FOR FREE to encourage and inspire people to begin harvesting their own fruits and vegetables.
📍Location: Ipan Beach Park
⏰ Times are TBA
🦀 Malesso’ Gupot CHamoru/Crab Festival – April 28 - 30, 2023
Enjoy southern hospitality with a weekend filled with delicious food, music, games, and a friendly competition in talaya throwing, coconut husking, and jet ski racing.
📍Location: Malesso’ Veterans Sons & Daughters Pier Park
⏰ Times are TBA
Last Giveaway!
Enter for a chance to Win a Week to Weekend tote bag + $50 Circle K Fuel & Merchandise Gift Card for your adventures! This is our LAST giveaway, but we’re also doing a SPECIAL giveaway for our newsletter subscribers.
To enter…
1. Like our latest giveaway post on Instagram.
2. Follow @weektoweekend and @76circlekguam
3. Comment your favorite coconut dessert + tag a friend! Comment and tag multiple friends for bonus entries.
Contest ends 4/15/23 at 11:59 PM Guam time (GMT+10). Our winner will be announced LIVE on Sunday, 4/16/23 at 2:30 PM 🔔 Turn your notifications on to find out!
Terms and conditions apply.
Esta Later!
Thank you for being here! We appreciate you! 💛