Captivated Me

captivate : v. to attract and hold the attention or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; enchant.

Tag: pacific

May 7, 2022

Forbidden and Hidden.

Two gorgeous treks unfolded before my feet over the past couple of weeks, and I would love to share them with you:

Forbidden Island: One of the many scenic hikes on the island, Forbidden is an adventurer’s favorite. Starting on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific to the east, you begin by hiking through jungle to breathtaking views of two separate coves. The first is a sheer drop-off where you can see the lush jungle rising up to your left side, the clear turquoise water below crashing on the reef, and a rocky cliff to the right. You then continue through tall and dense foliage to a somewhat gentler slope that you hike down to approach the island itself. From the shore, you can venture northeast along the beach to a junction with gorgeous views of both coves, forward into the channel between Saipan and Forbidden Island, or hike the cliffs and caves to the southeast. This particular day, we braved the channel, swollen with large waves and current as the tide changed, and spent a few minutes exploring the uninhabited, rugged, flat-topped Forbidden Island. Birds sung overhead, and would perch on the large boulders towering all around us. Gorgeous views of Saipan were seen from here. These moments were memorable and magical, even more so given I hiked here on the one year anniversary of my grandfather’s death. It proved to be a special place to heal and sit with the gratitude I feel for my grandfather and for his precious role in my life.

Hidden Beach: I parked my car at the end of a paved roadway, and walked along a palm-lined gravel path to a rugged stairway leading toward the ocean. A sweet sun shower sprinkled down from fluffy clouds above as I walked, refreshing my skin from the heat of the day. The clouds dispersed, and the sun shone on a tiny gem of a stretch of sand ahead. Hidden Beach boasts clear aquamarine waters, a crocodile-shaped rock formation, and a large stony shelf not far off shore where waves crash, causing immense ocean sprays. I came here after a 24-hour call shift, took photos, and marveled for hours at the rolling water, and at how I somehow had this stunning vista all to myself.

Sending love and hugs, smiles and sunshine. 💛 Have a beautiful week!

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May 1, 2022

Weekend in Brief: Guam Getaway

I had a brief errand to complete in Guam this weekend, which allowed for a fun and rejuvenating getaway! My short time on the island was jam-packed with beauty and laughter, and I am so grateful that I was able to visit. A few highlights:

– At the airport during my errand (really, just a Global Entry interview), I met an officer who is a local to Guam, a woman just slightly older than me who grew up in the southern region of the island. We had an amazing conversation about Pacific history, culture, and politics; about our families; and about topics like the complexities of war – which Guam has seen much of – and forgiveness. I learned so much from my discussion with her! And I am going to treasure that encounter for the rest of my life.

– I quickly checked into my AirBnB – a sweet, colorful hut under a mango tree – then set out on a mini shopping spree for a couple of new dresses, bathing suits, and gifts for loved ones. Saipan does not have much shopping, which is okay, but that just meant that this was an especially refreshing outing!

– Puntan des Amares (“Two Lovers Point”) is a cliff top overlooking Tumon Bay where, by ancient story, two lovers forbidden from being together jumped to their deaths rather than being separated by familial and cultural tensions and expectations. Fences around the perimeter of the monument here are lined with heart-shaped locks placed by lovers who travel from every curve of the globe, commemorating their devotion to each other. As you look out over the bay, you can see the profile of a man’s face in the contour of the beach and of a woman’s face in the contour of the cliff (see the third and fourth photos below) – the two lovers forever present together here!

– Lounging on the beach at Tumon Bay allowed for lots of people-watching, as snorkelers, divers, and family and friend groups enjoyed the beautiful tropical afternoon at the base of a small cliff. I went for a dip in the still water, then leisurely pressed ‘play’ on my audiobook and closed my eyes, relishing the warmth of the sun on my face.

– Beach Bar is a lively, vibrant bar and restaurant complete with sand volleyball courts, a DJ, and smashing views of the sunset. Here, I ate dinner and enjoyed the end-of-day vista – joined by an elderly gentleman who was celebrating his final evening in Guam after a work stint here – and then played sand volleyball with a team of Navy men stationed on the island.

– Jimmy Dee’s is another, smaller beach bar further south along Tumon Bay. The gentleman I met at Beach Bar told me about this spot, recounting its Saturday night light and fire show, a performance by local Chamorro musicians and dancers. I made it just in time – the show was mesmerizing! – and crossed paths with several fun and inviting people throughout the night before returning to my AirBnB for a few hours rest.

– I had the chance to meet my AirBnB hostess the following day when I left (bright and early at 5 in the morning!), and we became fast friends. She is from the Philippines and has been living in Guam for over 30 years, has her PhD in education and works throughout the Marianas on promotion and advocacy, and is one of the kindest souls I have encountered so far on this journey. We exchanged contact information, snapped a photo together, and hope to reconnect in the coming months – She offered to teach me how to cook Filipino cuisine!

That’s all from Guam. 💛 Wishing you a bright and beautiful day!

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