Travel assignment #8
Guam Regional Medical City, Dededo, GU
September 2016 – October 2016 (yes, only 6 weeks…more on that later)
Yup, you read it right. I took a huge leap out of California. Like a bazillion miles – 19 hours of flying later.
My adventure in Guam was cut short due to some unforeseen circumstances involving my Canadian ass and my work visa. Who knew Guam wasn’t part of North America??
Deported and parolled I can check off my bucket list.
I digress…the time here was an experience I will never be able to replicate. It just doesn’t exist in any other travel assignment you will ever encounter. Working for a Filipino funded hospital in a U.S. Territory serving the local community. The travelers (all departments) housed in two apartment buildings. Grown adults forced to room with strangers…you cross your fingers and hope you don’t get a psycho. I didn’t by the way (Niko was awesome).
It wasn’t the lap of luxury, but they were acceptable… except for the hard as rock twin beds, (took 2 mattress pads, to make it bearable for me). Who doesn’t like FREE housing, though???
It was like the tv show Friends, with an occasional Melrose Place stint here and there (ear plugs required). Travel nurses with a common passion for adventure and travel. It was a great community of nurses and some lifelong connections were made.
The island itself is serene and beautiful, not your typical tourist filled Island, except for the tourist trap of Tumon and Kmart (who knew?)
To be housed 10 minutes from the beach and have unlimited access to snorkeling and diving (if you have your PADI cert, that is).
The hospital experience was interesting. A hospital short-staffed and in a crisis of identity. A Filipino based hospital trying to make it in the U.S. system. Supplies was a challenge as well as the process, but the patients gave me a new faith in society and showed an appreciation for what we do. The hospital staff was great and welcoming just like the locals. Chamorro people are so welcoming and their hospitality is amazing. I felt welcomed from day one.
Things I loved about Guam:
- A 5K race every weekend, with legit prizes I might add…
- Crazy boonie stomps every saturday
- Snorkeling within walking distance of the apartment
Some of the highlights:
Two Lover’s Point –Chamorro folklore – two lovers forbidden to be together tied their hair together and jumped off the cliff.
Ague Cove – Decent hike trespassing on “private property” down to a beautiful cove
Ritidian Beach – beautiful stretch of beach on the North side of the island. Just don’t have a low-riding car as there are tons of pot holes. Good thing I’m a seasoned pot hole avoider being an experienced Winnipeg driver.
Ypao Beach – snorkel right off the beach
Fish Eye Marine Park
Adventuresbyliv 