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  2. TRAVEL 2012

OCTOBER, 2012: GUAM

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SIRENA AT SAN ANTONIO BRIDGE<br />
<br />
This bridge was built in 1800 over the Hagatna River.  After WWII the river was diverted, but the bridge left in place.  It now is a nice historic landmark over a dry ditch.<br />
<br />
The story of Sirena:<br />
 <br />
Guam's legendary mermaid, Sirena, lived in Agana during Spanish times near the Minondo River where fresh spring waters dividing the city of Agana met the ocean at the river's mouth (Bicana) not so far from the site of the statue above. She loved the water and was known to swim whenever she could steal a moment from her chores to satisfy her greatest pleasure.<br />
<br />
One fateful day, Sirena's mother sent her to get coconut shells to be used as coal for the iron. Oblivious to time and duty, Sirena couldn't resist the refreshing river. There she swam while her mother called impatiently. Sirena's godmother happened to be visiting, and as her mother angrily cursed her daughter with the words, "Since Sirena loves the water more than anything, she should become a fish", her Nina (godmother) quickly interjected, "leave the part of her that belongs to me".<br />
<br />
Unknown to mother, godmother, family and friends, Sirena was never to return home again, for feeling unusual sensations as she swam, she soon discovered that from the waist down she had become part fish.<br />
<br />
Her mother, regretful of her curse, could not undo the outcome of fate. Bidding her loved ones farewell, Sirena swam out into the Pacific. Since her disappearance, seafarers have reported seeing her in different parts of the world. According to legend, she can only be caught with a net of human hair.
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SIRENA AT SAN ANTONIO BRIDGE

This bridge was built in 1800 over the Hagatna River. After WWII the river was diverted, but the bridge left in place. It now is a nice historic landmark over a dry ditch.

The story of Sirena:

Guam's legendary mermaid, Sirena, lived in Agana during Spanish times near the Minondo River where fresh spring waters dividing the city of Agana met the ocean at the river's mouth (Bicana) not so far from the site of the statue above. She loved the water and was known to swim whenever she could steal a moment from her chores to satisfy her greatest pleasure.

One fateful day, Sirena's mother sent her to get coconut shells to be used as coal for the iron. Oblivious to time and duty, Sirena couldn't resist the refreshing river. There she swam while her mother called impatiently. Sirena's godmother happened to be visiting, and as her mother angrily cursed her daughter with the words, "Since Sirena loves the water more than anything, she should become a fish", her Nina (godmother) quickly interjected, "leave the part of her that belongs to me".

Unknown to mother, godmother, family and friends, Sirena was never to return home again, for feeling unusual sensations as she swam, she soon discovered that from the waist down she had become part fish.

Her mother, regretful of her curse, could not undo the outcome of fate. Bidding her loved ones farewell, Sirena swam out into the Pacific. Since her disappearance, seafarers have reported seeing her in different parts of the world. According to legend, she can only be caught with a net of human hair.

aaasirenaspanishbridge

  • SIRENA AT SAN ANTONIO BRIDGE<br />
<br />
This bridge was built in 1800 over the Hagatna River.  After WWII the river was diverted, but the bridge left in place.  It now is a nice historic landmark over a dry ditch.<br />
<br />
The story of Sirena:<br />
 <br />
Guam's legendary mermaid, Sirena, lived in Agana during Spanish times near the Minondo River where fresh spring waters dividing the city of Agana met the ocean at the river's mouth (Bicana) not so far from the site of the statue above. She loved the water and was known to swim whenever she could steal a moment from her chores to satisfy her greatest pleasure.<br />
<br />
One fateful day, Sirena's mother sent her to get coconut shells to be used as coal for the iron. Oblivious to time and duty, Sirena couldn't resist the refreshing river. There she swam while her mother called impatiently. Sirena's godmother happened to be visiting, and as her mother angrily cursed her daughter with the words, "Since Sirena loves the water more than anything, she should become a fish", her Nina (godmother) quickly interjected, "leave the part of her that belongs to me".<br />
<br />
Unknown to mother, godmother, family and friends, Sirena was never to return home again, for feeling unusual sensations as she swam, she soon discovered that from the waist down she had become part fish.<br />
<br />
Her mother, regretful of her curse, could not undo the outcome of fate. Bidding her loved ones farewell, Sirena swam out into the Pacific. Since her disappearance, seafarers have reported seeing her in different parts of the world. According to legend, she can only be caught with a net of human hair.
  • Hibiscus
  • Japanese gun at Ga'an Point.
  • Untitled photo
  • Ga'an Point.  Notice all the dragon flies.  They reminded me of little tiny helicopters.  I kept almost expecting to hear FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES as these helicopters swarmed onto shore.<br />
<br />
For some reason as I put this gallery together, the videos are often partially buffering, showing for a few seconds, and then skipping to the end.  If it does that as you are watching, you can go back to the previous photo, then back to the video, and watch it (that's working for me anyhow).
  • Untitled photo
  • A picnic table barely there at Nimitz Beach Park.
  • Hibiscus
  • Hibiscus pistil.
  • Male and female sex parts of hibiscus with pollen (aaaaah   CHOO!).
  • I guess that's enough photos of flower sex.
  • Old Spanish Bridge south of Nimitz Beach Park.  Unfortunately this old bridge (circa 1800 I believe) has significantly washed out.  Workers are adding a drainage area and doing some reconstruction in an attempt to preserve this historic structure.
  • Veteran's Memorial Park.
  • I'm curious as to why Guam would have lost men at a rate three times the national average.  Any thoughts?
  • I like how they have included the Latte Stones to tie the ancient culture with the honored soldiers.
  • San Dionesio Church Ruins.  The original Church was established here in 1681.  However, it was rebuilt a few times:  The original (wooden) building was burned by rebelling Chamorros in 1684.  The rebuilt building was destroyed by typhoon in 1693.  Earthquakes crumbled the structure in 1779, 1849, and 1862.  The final straw was an earthquake in 1902.  After that, a Church building was erected in a nearby location.<br />
<br />
This served as the capitol of Guam in the 1700's, including a residence for the Spanish governor.
  • The ruins from the previous photo are behind the trees to your right.  You can see the current Church just right of center.
  • Taken from about the same place as the last photo, but after turning around.
  • I thought this made a pretty cool-looking reflection.
  • Umatac Bridge.  In the 1980's the plan was to build a plain bridge here.  However, the governor at the time refused to allow construction to proceed without a "meaningful design."  So, this is what resulted.
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