Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands?
Trip Start
Jan 06, 2010
1
14
16
Trip End
Ongoing
Tamuning, Guam, Guam
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I’m just now returning to Mexico City, Mexico after spending the last few weeks in Manila, Philippines and Guam, a US Territory in the South Pacific. I came to Asia to spend time with friends, explore this part of the world to see if I wanted to live here and learn about a new business. The last six weeks have been a blur of travel, involving switching currencies and cell phone sim cards. In the height of my travel glory, I carried with me Mexican Pesos, US Dollars, Euros and Philippine Pesos at one time, as well as matching sim cards for each country. After crossing so many time zones, I can barely remember what day it is and where I am, but it has been a blast to experience U.S., Mexican, Spanish, Philippine and Guamanian culture all within a few weeks. Do I kiss, bow or shake hands in greeting someone? Oh well, I’ll do all three just to make sure I’m covered.
I’ve loved being back in Asia these last few weeks, especially since I was welcomed by locals and gained a perspective that a tourist never would. Only a local would know that the best soft serve vanilla ice cream on Guam is located in a small Mobil gas station in the south part of the island. I’m still dreaming about the flavor. Only a local would stop and give me a ride on his water buffalo and then introduce me to his pet pig. Only a local would take me diving to some of the best dive spots on Guam, including a night dive, a deep water dive and a wreck dive, as part of the warm island hospitality. Only locals who I met that same day would invite me for dinner upon learning that it was my birthday and didn’t want to let the occasion go unmarked. Only a local would hand me the key to his apartment that was 25 steps from one of the best beaches on the island and give me free reign of the place. The apartment even had a cat, what a bonus! Upon arriving back in Manila for a 24 hour layover, only a local would insist upon picking me up at the airport so I wouldn’t have to take a taxi late at night.
Thank you all for making my visit unforgettable! It is wonderful to have friends in this part of the world. You all have an open invitation to come and visit me anytime, anywhere in the world that I happen to be. I would love to return the favor, see you again, host you and show you what is fabulous.
Guam truly has warm, beautiful people that are a fusion of American, local Chamorro, Philippine, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, European and probably a few more nationalities thrown in. While it is still technically the U.S., I could really see the blend of Asian cultures as well, with the south pacific island hospitality still alive and kicking. I also loved the fact that the local Chamorro are a matriarchal society… power to the women. When will they introduce polyandry… the practice of women having more than one husband? Sign me up! Only a 2-3 hour flight from most major Asian cities, this is truly a fabulous base for doing business in Asia. I haven’t even mentioned how beautiful the beaches and internal country side are… I have no doubt I’ll be back.
Now, back to reality in Mexico City, Mexico and off the road for awhile. Time to start earning some cash again and replenish my travel coffers. When the coffers give me the green light… I’m heading to New Zealand. Any one up for a trip down under? I’m looking for a hiking and travel partner.
Great, now I’m 2 hours down, and only 5 more to go on my 7 hour layover in LAX :)
