Tumon Bay In Guam

Here is a sight to behold. A view of Tumon Bay from the balcony of my hotel room. The colours change as the day unfolds, a dramatic and lovely spectacle indeed. When one comes face to face with such a landscape, one can only be in awe and appreciative of the opportunity to be there.

I was in Guam for a good friend's wedding and took the opportunity to have a short holiday as well. The Southern Pacific Ocean is nature's gift to Guam and is certainly the highlight of the island. Crystal clear waters in every shade of blue and green draw the eye to the sea whenever one catches a glimpse of the vast ocean.

I was fortunate to be invited out to sea on a catamaran. We came across a school of dolphins, we did a bit of snorkeling, we soaked in the glorious sun, most importantly, we enjoyed the camaraderie among friends as we took in the spectacular views that greeted us at every turn. Guam, indeed a destination for lovers of the sea.


Photo shot from my balcony at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Tumon Bay.

Felix and Ting

When my good friend Felix whatsapp-ed from Taipei last month asking me if I would be available on 26 April, my immediate reaction was 'You are getting married!'. I was right. Despite the short notice, I was determined to attend. I first met Felix when we were both students in Switzerland years ago, I was working a winter season in Leysin and Felix was attending a hotel school there. We would often cook up a storm at my staff living quarters, both of us craving for some Asian food, he Hong Kong cuisine and me a taste of Malaysian dishes. We've kept in touch over the years, and would make it a point to catch up over a meal or two whenever he came to KL or when I was in Hong Kong.

 

I was happy to be invited to the wedding and I thought either Hong Kong or Taipei is just a short flight away. A few more messages later and I was advised that the wedding would be in Guam. I am always game to head to a new destination, but work commitments and flight schedules were a challenge, no matter how enticing the exotic images of Guam were. Once I told Felix that I would do my best to be there, I was determined to keep my word. With no direct flights from KL, I relied on the services of a travel agent who I must say was extremely patient with me. I kept demanding for various route options, trying to strike a three-way balance between work commitments, getting there on time as well as cost. It took a whole two weeks before we agreed on a route that would take me from KL to Singapore, then on to Tokyo before finally arriving in Guam. A trip that would be 22 hours to get there and 26 hours to get back.

 

The verdict? Totally worthwhile. To be present at a good friend's wedding, a milestone in his life, is an experience that we will both share for the rest of our lives. Spending time with the newlyweds and their immediate family for a couple of days will strengthen the bonds that we have already nurtured, and I hope that our friendship will continue to hold strong in the years to come. Once again, congratulations Felix and Ting and may you enjoy everlasting happiness. It was an honour and a pleasure being invited.

 

 

The newlyweds emerging from Aqua Stella Chapel at Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Guam.