YOU KNOW YOU'RE ON GUAM WHEN...

You can drive down a street and pick up a carabao if you feel so inclined.

COOL CARABAOS

Carabaos need to be in some form of water throughout the day.  Mud will do, too.

These carabao were refreshing themselves in the river that flows through Humåtak.

Right after I shot this video, three older teenagers walked passed me and made small talk with me as they did.  My passenger, who remained in the car watching it all, told me after I got back into the car that the three teenagers hid their beer cans to their sides or under their shirts as they approached me.

Can't let Påle' see the beer!

COOL DOGS

It's been scorching hot lately, and even dogs need to be comfortable.

So why not wear a pair of shades and a palm hat?

But the poor carabao providing the transportation here, well he or she needs a stream, or at least mud, to be happy.

NEWEST VILLAGE MURAL : AGAÑA HEIGHTS

It may be the newest.....

....but it also might be the longest!

And the art work is sennnnnnn bonitototototo!

The Agaña Heights village mural was unveiled Monday right outside my bedroom window at the friary.  The head artist, Tina Chargualaf (pictured above in black blouse), did an excellent job, with the help of many volunteers, the Mayor's Staff, Benson Guam which donated the paint and supplies, and even Father George Maddock who checked on them everyday with drinks and snacks.

Check out more pics at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guam-Hawaii-Capuchins/281336101883291

GONE FISHING

Why the piao (bamboo)?

These guys were going fishing, and using the piao as fishing poles.

ÅNTES YAN PÅ'GO

ÅNTES

This photo was taken sometime in the 1960s.  This was the heart of Guam, with the Administration Building in the upper part of the photo still the site of the Governor's Chambers.  Pedro's Plaza (where the AG is now) has not been built yet.  The Cathedral stands in its original form, without the additional wings added later.  The rector of the Cathedral had his offices and living quarters in a small, temporary structure immediately behind the Cathedral.  The Academy and Cathedral Grade School are still using temporary structures in addition to the permanent, two-storeyed building which still stands today.  What we call the PDN Building (officially the DNA Building now) was not built yet, and one can see the commercial buildings that are no more, for the most part.  Notice, too, how one could still drive one's car onto the Plaza de España by the arches.

PÅ'GO

It's impossible for me to replicate the photo from the 60s, as it was taken, no doubt, from the vantage point of a plane or helicopter, which I can't afford on my (non-existent) salary.  So, from the DNA Building we can see something of what that shot looks like today.  An expanded Cathedral.  The Academy's gym.  A more wooded Plaza.

HÅFA MUNA' YA-HO GUAM

HARMONY

INAYA'

(click on picture for a larger view)