Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense
For Immediate Release
August 15, 2017

No Change in Threat Level
The Offices of Guam Homeland Security and Civil Defense (GHS/OCD), in conjunction with the Mariana Regional Fusion Center (MRFC), our federal and military partners, continue to monitor the recent events surrounding North Korea and their threatening actions.
There is no change in threat level at this time; Guam continues normal operations.
“Residents and visitors are reminded to remain calm, even with the continued unconfirmed reports throughout the media,” stated George Charfauros, Guam Homeland Security Advisor. “Remember there is no change in threat level, we continue business as usual and know there are U.S. Department of Defense capabilities in place. We continue communication with our federal and military partners and have not received official statement warranting any concern for imminent threat to Guam or the Marianas.”
No Connection between Outages and Unscheduled EAS Test
Residents and visitors may have noticed at 12:25 a.m., an unscheduled test of the Emergency Alert Broadcast System (EAS) was triggered from KTWG/KSTO AM. The message read:
A BROADCAST STATION OR CABLE SYSTEM HAS ISSUED A CIVIL DANGER WARNING FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES/AREAS:
Guam, Guam;
AT 12:25 AM
ON AUG 15, 2017
EFFECTIVE UNTIL 12:40 AM.
MESSAGE FROM KTWGKSTO.
The unauthorized test was NOT connected to any emergency, threat or warning. GHS/OCD has worked with KSTO to ensure the human error will not occur again. There is no scheduled test of the EAS or All Hazards Alert Warning System sirens today.

  Threat: Rocket distance from North Korea only 1.400mls.

Guam.

The above message went viral today throughout the whole news world. A midnight alarm on Guam frightened the whole island population. No wonder, 2 presumptuous persons fight an escalating word war against each-other since weeks. One is the overweening fat baby from North Korea, the counterpart is the arrogant pathetic personality from the USA.

  It’s all about „be“ or „not to be“, on back of their nations people and the public. Both like to impress, both love to be heard, love to be the focal point and love to throw vulgarity around.  They are unpredictable triggers for the rest of the world.

Guam, the tiny South Pacific island that’s smaller than the city of Chicago, has been thrust into the spotlight as the dispute between the U.S. and North Korea continues to escalate. After President Donald Trump threatened to meet North Korea with “fire and fury” if it continues its nuclear weapons program, North Korea responded by threatening the island. It is the U.S. territory that is closest to Pyongyang and has been a military stronghold since the U.S. acquired it from Spain after the Spanish-American War in 1898.

  Distance just about 3.500km or 1.400mls.

The conflict between North Korea and the USA has attracted much attention to a small Pacific island. But Guam is more then just an US military base.

That attention was the cause to start today with this post about Guam. Not about politics, but about the wonderful island in the Pacific, which I had the chance, some years ago, to visit for a few days. Lots of pics are my own, some are unknown source and some I like to credit to Takuya Asada via Huffington Post.

What and Where is Guam.

Guam is a main holiday destination , a tropical Pacific island and one of the biggest US military bases.

Guam is an island in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean that is part of the United States. It is a territory and not one of the 50 U.S. States. The people that first lived there are called „Chamorros“. The capital of Guam is the city of Agana (Hagatna) on the north west coast. The largest city is Dededo, some kilometers inland. Guam has important United States Air Force and Naval bases, which use about 1/3rd of Guam’s land.

  Overview of Guam. Capital city is Agana. The main big US military bases are „Andersen Air Base“ in the north east and „US Naval Base“ in Apra Harbor, the mid west of the island.

History.

Guam was one of the first islands in the Pacific Ocean to be visited by Europeans. In 1521, the first European to visit Guam was Ferdinand Magellan, on his voyage around the World. Spain took over Guam in 1668, and it was an important place for Spanish delivery boats every year going between Mexico and the Philippines, known as the Manila Galleon. During this time the people on Guam learned a great deal about the Spaniards.

         The Magellan monument and its plaque.

In 1898, the United States had a war with Spain and took Guam under the Treaty of Paris, which also brought the giving of Cuba, the Philippines and Puerto Rico from Spain. Guam continued to be important due to its strategic location, both for shipping and air travel in the Pacific.

         Spanish canon from the 1890’s and the underground Yokoi cave for Japanese soldiers from 1940’s.

During World War II, Japan captured Guam in 1941, but the U.S. fought to get it back in 1944. This meant that the Chamorro people on Guam were on a different side of the war than the Chamorro people on the nearby Northern Mariana Islands. Even though the Northern Mariana Islands were also taken over by America, they still feel different from the Chamorro people on Guam.

        The whole island is a bit of an educational open air museum for WWII. Left a torpedo which didn’t blow and landed and right a Japanese „pitigun“.

In 1950, the US Congress passed a law making the people of Guam American citizens. Guam is also considered a state and a territory but is not counted as the 51st state because it is such a small island, also called the pacific west clan.

Weather and Time.

Guam is “where America’s Day begins” — quite literally. With it’s own timezone, Chamorro Standard Time, Guam wakes up 14 or 15 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time, depending on Daylight Saving Time. The island celebrates New Year’s first in America and movies often premiere far ahead of the rest of America.

  Sunset at Agana Beach with Alupai Island.

Guam is a tropical island. It is usually quite warm and wet and the temperature does not change very much. From February to July it is dry, but the rest of the year it is rainy. Sometimes Guam has very strong and dangerous storms in October and November.

  Guam can be as above (sunset) or like this.

Its the most southerly and largest island of the Marianas Archipelago, 6.000 km west of Hawaii. Also included here (but not as part of Guam itself) are the three tiny US Territories of Johnston Island,  1.300 km from Hawaii, Midway Island 2.350 km and Wake Island 3.700 km. The total population of Guam is around 180.000.

  Click on map to size up and see the US islands.

Guam is next to the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest part of the Earth and underwater. The Mount Lamlam is therefore the highest mountain on earth with  11.530 meter (37.828 ft) below sea level. See my post „Did You Know That – 3“ !  It sometimes has earthquakes, some of which have been very strong. Also hurricanes which find their path trough the pacific. Don’t hesitate to read my post „Nan Madol Part 1 and 2“ about !

  Heavy tropical storms like this hit the island region.

Indigenous Culture.

Most of the inhabitants of Guam belong to the people of the Chamorro. They form the original inhabitants of the island – as descendants of former settlers. Statues, like those of a Chamorro chieftain, recall their ancestors. The indigenous people are of Indonesian-Spanish-Philippine origin. The island promotes the traditional culture of Chamorro.

                                 Chamorro people are friendly, open and have big hearts and even bigger parties, meaning the village fiestas they celebrate. Pics here, of course, are set for tourists.

The original inhabitants of Guam are from Indonesia and the Philippines. The Chamorro flourished as an advanced fishing, horticultural, and hunting society. They were expert in the art of building and designing the world. The Chamorro was a strong matriarchal society, and it was through the power and prestige of the women, and the failure of the Spanish overlords to recognize this fact, that much of the Chamorro culture, including the language, music, dance, and traditions have survived to this day.

  A preserved Latte stone.

Latte Stones are the stone pillars of ancient Chamorro houses. Found on the Guam and the Marianas Islands. Original Latte Stones were composed of two pieces, a supporting column (halagi), made from coral limestone topped with a capstone (tasa), made from coral heads, which were usually taken from the quarry site or reef to the location of the house. Customarily, bones of the ancient Chamorro’s, their possessions, were buried beneath the stones. Latte Stones are respected and remain untouched.

  Can this also be an ancient grave yard ?

Tax Free Shopping.

Holiday is more than just relaxing on the beach. Guam is a shopping paradise. There is no VAT, no tax at all. Visitors can also learn more about the history of the island at the Guam Museum. 130 places on Guam are noted in the „National Directory of Historic Sites“ of the US – quite a bit for an island just as large as the US capital Washington, D.C.

          The Guam Aka district is an upscale area with shops, restaurants and more. Dozens of malls invite to shop.

Pure Idyll.

There is no trace of military bases here. Although a third of Guam is used by the US as a military force, the rest have a lot to offer: turquoise water, coral reefs and hiking trails in nature. It is no wonder that tourism is the most important source of income for the island.

    Yeah, pure Guam idyll, sunset on Tamuning beach.

All year long, „bathtubs are on Guam“ – so the island says on the Internet. The temperatures are tropical, mostly between 26 and 30 degrees.  That’s why the growth market is tourism.
The beaches are not crowded, it is said on the island, although every year more than a million tourists visit Guam. Especially for divers the sea is popular because of its coral reefs. Tourism is gaining in importance. Since the 1980s Guam developed mainly through investments from South Korea and Japan.

  That’s what tourists like on Guam, „Lovers Point“.

Through the airport, the island is well-connected to tourists from East Asia. In a few flying hours, Guam is reachable and is thus much closer than the popular Hawaii. Guam is particularly popular with Japanese people – three quarters of tourists come from there. The remaining holidaymakers travel mostly from South Korea, China or Taiwan.

          Or that they like. „Pacific Island Club and Resort Water Park“, right on the beach, one of the best in Guam.

Guam has lots of hotels and other fun places for people to visit. Tumon Bay is Guam’s biggest beach. It has lots of pretty white sand, and the water has lots of fish. Tumon is becoming a busy city, full of markets, shops (all well known brands are available) and fun, fun, fun – especially at nights when its cooling down a bit.
Today, Guam has less visitors than it did a few years ago, because Asia has had some trouble, as we know. This means there are fewer jobs on Guam, and it has lost money.

  And sightseeing of course, here the Talafofo Falls. These wonderful pics depend on dry or rainy season. The Talafofo river can change dramatically.

Law and Government.

Most people on Guam are happy to be Americans. The American military bases make some jobs for a lot of Guam people. Being part of America also helps bring visitors from Japan who spend money.

  B52 bomber and escort over Anderson Airbase, Guam.

But some people on Guam do not like Guam continuing its status as a U.S. territory. They want to be a more important part of America. Some of these people want Guam to be a commonwealth, like Puerto Rico. A few others want Guam to be a U.S. State, or for Guam to be its own country. But the United States does not think this would be a good idea.

  US Naval Base Guam, one N.Korean target.

Guam needs a lot of money from the U.S. government, which it would lose if it changed into a commonwealth, a state, or its own country. Also, changing Guam might mean the U.S. would have to give up some of the important military bases.
Guam being a part of the United States is also important to the security of the United States with its position as a power projection hub in the event of a conflict with any Asian powers, such as China or North Korea.

  USS Reagan enters Guam Naval Base.

Hotels.

All well known brands and chains are available on Guam. Of course they own the best beach locations which others can’t afford. But a bit inland one will find many many excellent private destinations to stay over night or for some holiday weeks.

  Tumon Bay hotels and beach.

For 5 stars one has to pay. I used the Hyatt during my stay. Central in Tumon, right on the beach, just a wonderful location. It surely was one of the best. See the pics.

                Great destination on Guam, the Hyatt Regency. Direct on the Tumon Beach. It has amazing views, see from 15th floor onto pool area, or the great beachfront and more. The restaurants are good, but I didn’t use them often, because there are so many interesting restaurants in the township around. Early morning you got the whole pool for yourself.

Food.

As a food lover and hobby cook I have to write about this too. The food selection on the island is amazing. From every international fine cuisine to local street meals one will find everything for every taste and purse. I will concentrate this post information to 6 foods „you must eat on Guam“, well known local dishes.

Kelaguen
Chamorros are known for their kelaguen-making skills and this food is a local signature dish. Kelaguen is based around the cooking property of lemon juice and has similarities to ceviche. A combination of lemon juice, onions, local hot peppers, salt and sometimes grated coconut are used to Kelaguen either seafood, beef, chicken or others.
Chicken is the most popular meat chosen to Kelaguen and tastes the best when it is barbecued beforehand. Octopus or squid Kelaguen can be harder to find but are especially delicious and are definitely some of the best types of Kelaguen. The tanginess of the lemon juice combined with the spicy kick of the peppers infused into the meat of your preference creates sensational flavors in your mouth that will have you instantly craving for more.

        Some shrimp Kelaguen I had at the Hyatt, very good, but sadly little portions. The typical local chicken Kelaguen with spring onions and lots of hot red chilli. My favorite dish on Guam, very tasty and refreshing.

Barbecue
The local barbecuing process begins usually about a day before the actual grilling. The reason for this is to allow time for the meat to marinate. The most common way to marinate meats for a barbecue involves a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, salt, black pepper, onions and garlic. While these are the main ingredients for a good marinade, most cooks have a secret ingredient or two that they like to add.
This marinade can be used for a vast array of different meats but the most commonly used in local barbecue are chicken and spare ribs. The best barbecue is grilled using the tangan-tangan wood found throughout Guam’s landscape which provides a unique smoky flavor. In the end, the meat is perfectly accentuated by the marinade and the smoky flavor is unforgettable.  Hot grill, hot chilli, cold beer, Guams BBQ is one of my favorites, particularly because it is not as boring as the South American Asados – SORRY, but true !

       One of Guam’s most popular and literally a hands-on dining experience is Nana’s Crack’in Crab dinner menu. Here, the table is lined with butcher paper and you’re given a plastic bib. A pot of steamed King Crab or Dungeness Crab with Cajun spiced stewed tomatoes, corn, potatoes and sausage is poured out onto the table and everyone eats with their fingers. It’s totally a fun dining experience and you can have as much as you like. Plus hot nights and cold beer !

Red Rice
For centuries, rice has been a fixture in Guam’s food and culture. It is a staple and a necessary part of the meal at any party or gathering. Red rice has similarities to Spanish rice which makes sense, as the main ingredient, the Achote seed, most likely came from Mexico and was first introduced to the Chamorro people by the Spanish.
The Achote seeds are soaked in water and the rice is then cooked in the water giving it a deep red or bright orange color, depending on how long the seeds are soaked. Other ingredients such as onions and garlic are often used to infuse more flavor. Altogether it brings a wonderfully subtle earthiness to the rice and makes for a visually appealing side dish to your meal. Perfect side dish for everything or just as a solo meal.

              Perfect side dish for everything, from seafood to barbecue, or just as a solo meal.

Kadon Pika
The Chamorro word Kadon means stew and the word Pika means spicy. So altogether we get a spicy stew. Most often this stew is made with chicken as the main feature. The other ingredients include soy sauce, vinegar, salt and black pepper, onions, garlic, local chilli’s and last, but most certainly not least, coconut milk. The chicken is marinated in the combination of the above ingredients excluding the hot peppers and the coconut milk. Those are added after it has simmered for a good while. When ladled upon a nice bed of red rice, bite into the warm, tender chicken and the spicy peppers will clash against the sweet, creaminess of the coconut milk to bring you the perfect local comfort food.

     Kadon Pika, spicy stew, BBQ style on the right with red rice and saucy stile with mashed potatoes.

Coconut Candy
As simple as coconut candy is, it is delicious. It is basically a combination of sugar and freshly grated coconut. The sugar is heated and melted down, the coconut is added and once it is cooked to the proper consistency it is then formed into balls or rectangles. A demonstration of how the ancient Chamorro’s made coconut candy can be seen at the Gef Pa’go Cultural Village in the southern village of Inarajan. It is a nice little confection to treat yourself to and it often comes in small pieces so you can enjoy it without feeling too guilty about the indulgence.

             Coconut candy served 5star style or as a tourist souvenir. The 3rd pic is a coconut candy cake, called „spider crab“, who knows why ?  Anyway delicious treat and not too sweet.

The annual „Pleasure Island Guam BBQ Block Party“ returns every year since 2013. A terrific chance to get in touch with locals, local traditions and local food. With tantalizing BBQ cuisine, the aroma of this incredible culinary and cultural event will be sure to enhance Guam’s visitors experience while also appealing to the local community.

            This is street party and street food par excellence. Hey Asado-Freaks, come here and learn !

Not to forget.

Coconut crab
The crab which can grow to over ONE METER length and can easily crack coconuts. That’s why she has the name, on other Pacific islands locals call it „robber crab“, because she steels their food source, the coconut.

Well, I had coconut crab on Christmas island, local delicassy. If you never tasted it, you should. The crab is not cheap and it is a lot of work to eat it, definitely 2x harder than any other crab to eat.

         My opinion – not worth the price – better have a nice lobster.

Meat is dry but sweet and it tastes nice, because the crabs eat coconut and no „mud rubbish“ like other crabs. Don’t be disappointed there is not that much meat, like you have with other crabs. And – for cooking they use mostly the smaller/younger ones.

Even served among a whole seafood platter (for an horrible amount of $$) it wouldn’t attract me anymore. Lets just say I would try it if I’ve never had it before but would I eat it again? Prob not.  What I really liked was the „coconut crab curry“ (see right pic), but this is also not special, can be made with any other crab. Down here, dining at sunset.

I hope you can once enjoy Guam as I did !  And I sincerely hope that the „unpredictable lunatics around the world“ leave this island paradise as it is, peaceful, tranquil, worth to visit,  just a dream destination for East and West !