(Note: I normally post things per day concerning a trip, but thought that it would be too long to post for 10 days. I just divided this Guam trip to three thematic parts as it made more sense.)
The last time I was out of the country, it was during our winter trip to South Korea in late 2012. As you very much know, I got sick and had to make a lot of adjustments — and traveling overseas for a vacation took a back seat.
But fortunately, part of the reason why I was excited to join this organization was the prospect of going to Guam for the regional meeting. When the post was first offered to me, I was immediately informed that this year’s meeting will take place in Guam. Come to think of it, regardless if it were to be held in Manila like almost every year, I would still say yes. It might be work but I still consider the opportunity to travel as a perk.
NAIA Terminal 1
Contrary to what usually happens when we have to go to the airport, the travel going to NAIA was a breeze because I was picked up near the apartment. All I did was wait with Mon for the shuttle to arrive, cramp my bags at the storage and sit.
It was my first time to travel overseas without Mon and it was honestly unnerving. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I had a separation anxiety as well, but as they say, there is always a first time for everything.
Our flight leaves at a very untimely hour and we were to land in Guam before the dawn. Four hours flew by because I almost slept during the whole trip and I woke up with the fidgeting sound of people itching to disembark the plane. Here we are, finally, and Hafa Adai!
Hafa Adai! Welcome to Guam
All bleary-eyed, we rode a bus that took us to Hyatt Regency Guam. The travel was less than 20 minutes as the airport was located near the downtown area. It was a weekend and we still have to wake up in the morning to work and prepare. Again, it was no vacation, but you just have to steal moments to make it appear as if if was a holiday.
After we were handed our keys, I marched straight away to the elevator with all my bags in tow. I stayed on the 12th floor and my jaw dropped the moment I open the door to my room. It had two beds and it was about four times bigger than our apartment (make it five times if you include the bathroom). As long as I was not paying for it, it was all good.
I did not want to sleep on the bed, knowing that it was too comfortable that it would take a lot of effort to get out and prepare later. I went to the chair instead.
Such a big room for one
About five hours after, I woke up from the sound of my two alarm clocks. My immediate reaction was to go straight to the veranda to have a look at the beach in broad daylight. Can I stay here forever? LOL
The sea is calling me!
We had buffet breakfast for the rest of our stay (only until 10:30 am) and I still had an hour to explore my new home for 10 days. My eyes were naturally drawn to the LV display case.
Sometimes, I just stop in front of this LV display case
We have just two days to prepare not only documents, but also other arrangements for the French pool. The interpreters were to arrive in the coming hours and everything must be set for the one-week meeting. The hours just flew past because, frankly, we were doing a lot of things.
Preparations for the regional meeting
The interpreter’s booth
We had until Sunday to make the final touches, and even then, some things would have to be taken care of while the meeting was ongoing.
I hoped to get out of the hotel and see what’s outside even for a bit, and I just walked around the perimeter just to check things out.
Walking around downtown
It was obvious that the downtown was like a Rodeo Drive, with lots of high-end stores and boutiques in every corner. There were also LOTS of Japanese, Chinese and Korean tourists darting in and out of the restaurants and establishments.
I was hoping that in the coming days, I can still walk around a bit. But that would be close to impossible. LOL
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