Travel to Guam

It’s October and I have vacation. Two weeks of travels. I can go wherever I want and do whatever I want. Two weeks of complete freedom to be my own architect of the daily schedule. So where to begin? I started my vacation with running a half marathon around Flughafen Zürich before jumping on the late Emirates flight towards Dubai. Changed the plane to another one of the gigantic fleet of Emirates and continued to Manila. I can say many things about that airport but it all ends concludes that it’s one of my least favorite ones. Also this time I had a bad experience so had to make my shortest visit in the Philippines ever. Pass by the passport control, check in for the next flight and then walk through emigration. All in less than 15 minutes since they let me walk the Diplomatic lane. Four hours later I arrived in the US. Or Guam which belongs to the US.

First impression of Guam

A few days earlier there had been a typhoon hitting the island and neighboring Saipan. It hadn’t hit to bad but the weather was a bit on and off the first day. Sun, rain and humid. And a thunderstorm at night. When I arrived I thought it looked like Hawaii and there are many similarities. The ABC stores, the greenery, the mix of US, Japan, Korea and the hilly landscape. Beach wise Hawaii is better and all hotels I have seen here looks like they had their prime time 20 years ago. I needed a dose of US so it was great to hear the American accent being spoken all around and to see everything I connect with the high US&A. Familiar street signs, stores and you name it. This is clearly US.

Settle in to vacation mode

The first day I just enjoyed to stroll down the whole beach back and forth. Spend some time swimming at Gun beach. Easy day. The jet lag and not hit me to hard and since I spent the last 24 hours of the road with more sleeping than I needed. When I got back from my exploring tour I stayed at the pool to read a book. Vacation vibes. I dealt with myself if I should go out running but decided to not do so.

Hiking to Two lovers point

It is not tons of sights here and to get anywhere you need a car. I don’t like to rent cars when I travel by myself otherwise it would have been nice to drive around the island for beach safari but instead I hiked to the Two lovers point. A hike that took 1,5 one way from my hotel. As always it was worth it.

In true American spirit there was a commercial look out platform. But what to expect when even Grand Canyon is tourist friendly like that. The views were stunning though and when I was done with pictures I walked back and had some stops for swimming at Timon beach which is the major one.

Training

Running is a big thing here but honestly my running shoes have stayed in my suitcases. Not due to laziness reasons but the gym at the hotel was great so I rather spent my training hours inside in the aircon than sweating to death running the hills. Fair enough my next destination has more running friendly weather I hope.

So instead I have been rolling out the yoga mat also. The instructor was great. I love instructors that push down your body further to deepen the positions. And the view. I can’t complain.

Is Guam worth going to?

Yes and no I would say. If you have already been to Okinawa and Jeju island yes. But if not no. For three days on the way to somewhere it’s worth it but not traveling around the world to get to. I heard Saipan is more beautiful and I was sin doubt which island to pick but adding yet another 30 min flight made me pick Guam. It was fun to see and it has been on my travel list for a long time but I won’t go back. Have you been or would you like to go? Or perhaps you never heard about this little place which for many is known for its US military base. Now time to continue my Asia tour. Next up is a country I love to visit.

/ Pernilla in Micronesia