Springtime In Guam

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: CarolC
Date: 19 May 05 - 10:17 PM

I don't think anything I've said in this thread is particularly noteworthy (except for the accordion bits), but I don't have a problem with anything I've said being included, with the exception of the stuff about the immigration/green card process. I don't know if it would be a good idea to put that in a book.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 May 05 - 03:10 AM

I don't think I contributed anything significant, except maybe a comment about Cook Island vakas, but you're welcome to use anything you want.

RtS
(fame at last!)

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,ClaireBear
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:18 AM

You are welcome to my words, should you wish to use them.

I am so glad you are doing this!

Claire

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:45 AM

I don't think I've said muych except - "glad to hear from you" and "me too" - but If I have and you want to use it you have my permission -

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 May 05 - 10:08 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll let you know how it turns out. I doubt anyone will want to read it but I guess I've got some volumes presold out there if you and my family are any measurement. I take that back, my family will expect free copies.

Today we rose early to go to a "multifamily Japanese yard sale" in Barrigada. We had breakfast at the Winchel's Donut shop in Mangilao. The poor woman behind the counter was very confused. We went in and asked for one cup of clam chowder, one cup of coffee, one bagel, egg, and bacon sandwich, and two donuts. Well, she could not shake free of the idea that people in the morning drink coffee and everything we asked for comes as part of a combo deal. We left with a cup of coffee and a bottle of orange juice, four donuts, the soup and one bagel, egg, and SAUSAGE sandwich. I was exhausted from trying to explain it to her and Wakana was confused about why we didn't get what we asked for. We're still laughing about it.

The yard sale was a disappoinment too. Only one family was there and they had NO Japanese items. They weren't even moving to Japan. They weren't even Japanese! Sigh.

Still, it was a pretty morning. The sea is beautiful today, as it always is. The western side is calm and has that tropical mix of greens and blues that make living here so worthwhile. There is a bit of surf out on the reef but not much. We crossed the island on Cross Island Road (it took some real imagination to name that road) and on the eastern side of the island we could see the Pacific from the top of the hill running down to Ylig. On that side the ocean is silver with a thousand sparkling points highlighting the rougher water. There were small clouds scudding towards us and their shadows made grey patches in the silver water. The eastern side is the windward side and that makes all the difference.

The canoe club is working on building the canoe house, the utt, down at Paseo Park. We have seven long telephone poles that need to have the hardware removed and to be cut into smaller lengths. Then we will stand up eight posts, twelve feet long, to form a rectangle forty feet long by twenty feet wide. On that will go aa tall steeply pitched roof which will be thatched with sword grass. The bottom will have no walls but be open to the breeze. I understand that the temperature under a canoe house roof is significantly lower than just sitting in the shade.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 May 05 - 03:53 AM

well, if you want to add my little tuppenny bits, it's ok. Had I but known, I would have tried to write more valuable stuff.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 May 05 - 09:52 PM

Actually you all contributed more than you think. If not for your input and appreciation I would never have kept this going. I am not usually one to keep at a project long-term. But now we are within a month of being at this for two years! I am the one who owes you my gratitude so thanks to you all.

I just put Wakana on the plane for Japan, again! If all goes well she will have her immigrant visa when I see her again on Tuesday. Keep your fingers crossed.

We have been working on the plans for our big wedding celebration. Back when she mentioned doing this I asked her why women like to suffer. If they didn't they wouldn't REQUIRE huge celebrations for weddings, births, etc. She thought I was nuts to think like that.

Last night I had to hold her for an hour while she cried over her family's plans to come for the celebration. They originally were coming for 3 days nad then her father decided on a shorter trip and then her brother's wife called to say they would not take their daughter out of school for the event and then... It was more tears sacrificed on the altar of CEREMONY. This wasn't the first thing she cried about, or that we have argued over.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,sandra in sydney
Date: 22 May 05 - 09:44 AM

fingers crossed.

it's probably too late to consider it, but have you thought of eloping? Soooo much easier.

And as for families!! I avoid some of my birth family. That's so much easier too, for me.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 May 05 - 02:59 PM

Brett,
Shared tears are a good thing. If Wakana cried alone and shut you out of her pain you two wouldn't have a chance together. Keep holding each other and sharing the good and the bad and you'll do fine with or without uncooperative relatives.
Besides, we are planning a mass wedding celebration for Friday night at the Getaway and you two are one of the couples to be celebrated. Wakana will have more "family" than she can possibly imagine. Champagne all 'round.
SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 May 05 - 10:14 PM

Wakana is home again and for the first time she can really call this home! She is now a lawful permanent resident in the USA. She flew home without a return ticket. She no longer has to leave the USA to renew her tourist visa. She no longer has to worry about the legality of living here. She can truly call this house ours instead of mine.

She is happy.

So am I.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 May 05 - 10:35 PM

Congratulations to you both!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 25 May 05 - 10:04 AM

Great news, Brett! Welcome, Wakana!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 25 May 05 - 10:14 AM

Huzzah! Great news.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: CarolC
Date: 25 May 05 - 11:10 AM

Congratulations to you and Wakana, Brett! That's wonderful (and also amazing... after more than two and a half years, we're still waiting).

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 25 May 05 - 11:17 AM

What nice news!

bbc

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 May 05 - 10:19 AM

YAH!! Looking forward to seeing you American folks sometime next year (not that I keep harping on it, but ...)

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 05 - 04:18 PM

Amazing! Congratulations!

What's your next challenge?

How about world peace?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 May 05 - 08:33 PM

Thanks for the warm congratulations. Sorry, Carol, that you are having such a difficult time. Wakana thinks it was her nationality plus doing the work through the embassy that made the difference. I guess the immigration service doesn't see a big problem with Japanese trying to illegally immigrate.

She went to her interview all primed to talk about how well we know each other. I gave her notes about my history that she studied very carefully. In the end the interview only lasted five minutes and hinged on what her father thinks of me. When the interviewer heard that I had visted the family home twice and the father approved of me he terminated the interview and told her she was in.

And now for another story. Some events are painful in the anticipation. By ignoring them you can ease the passage of time until the date you have to face the music. Such it was with the lawsuit. I didn't sleep well in the days leading up to the initial hearing. I made a concerted effort to ignore the fact that May 26 was the trial date. So I didn't mention it in these pages. However, yesterday we went to court.

There was some mixup in the courtroom that was to be used. The schedule for small claims had a cover sheet that directed people to an upstairs room. But at the correct time nobody showed up to unlock the courtroom. We went downstairs where we learned the cover sheet was incorrect and that the trials would be in a downstairs courtroom. Once we got in there and settled down we had to wait because the judge was not in and the other judges were busy with other courtrooms.

When court finally started we were the last trial called. And the plaintiff did not show up. The case was dismissed but the judge warned me that the plaintiff could still ask for a retrial on the grounds that he could not make it on that day. He also explained that he thought I was partially responsible and that I should negotiate with the landlord. I'm not sure how that could be but I am not going to argue the issue. As far as I am concerned the door is closed and I will wait for it to reopen.

Today we are moving the canoe to Ypao Beach for a big inter-island festival. We'll be down there all weekend showing off the canoe and the work we are doing, selling T-shirts, and enjoying the festival sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. The sun is shining and the weather is warm and the weekend is promising.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 May 05 - 08:51 AM

Generally when the other party fails to show the Judge enters a "default judgment" in favor of the party present. I have never heard of an appeal for a small claims action. Of course, I'm not an attorney. However, I would urge that the party of the defense have a party to celebrate its decisive win.

Congratulations on coming prepared, for being astute enough to locate the misplaced court room, and for having the patience to wait until the judge heard the case and render a decision. Perhaps, you should consider a second career as a housing attorney.

Meanwhile hum a few lines of "Pity the Downtrodden Landlord."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 May 05 - 11:16 AM

I'm looking at your canoe riding on beautiful blue water, under ditto blue skies - maybe that's the best type of celebrating! 'The sun is shining and the weather is warm and the weekend is promising'.

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 27 May 05 - 01:10 PM

"The sun is shining" - what's a sun? And could you explain this "shining" thing? And I'm not quite sure I understand the use of "warm" in relation to a sentence about weather.

JudyB
who hasn't seen the sun in a l-o-n-g time

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 May 05 - 09:57 AM

GREAT time at Ypao beach. I'd write it up but I am exhausted and my bed is calling me. More tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 May 05 - 10:36 AM

I keep looking at the postcard you sent me Brett and wishing I had the talent to turn it into a decent watercolor. I will give it a try and if it is a disaster, I will have my niece the artist do it for you.

Meantime, isn't life good?

Celebrate the good times.
SINS

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 05 - 11:28 AM

THE SUN! THE SUN IS SHINING IN MAINE! FINALLY AFTER TWO WEEKS!

Damn, a cloud just came by...

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 May 05 - 10:14 PM

So, what's the problem with a cloud? We have clouds here in Guam. They are little puffy things that never seem to totally obscure the sun.

I talked with my parents this morning. When I mentioned working under a canopy my mother wanted to know why we don't work outside in the fine weather. I said we didn't want to work in the hot sun. She too seemed to have trouble with the concept of "sun" and "blue skies".

My father told me there was an article in the paper about some Japanese soldiers still hiding out in Mindanao. Apparently there may be some old men back in the bush who have been there for the last six decades. Amazing. Wakana is very excited and has tuned in to NHK for any late breaking news.

Yesterday we went to the Island Fair. Delegates from many of the Pacific islands had booths demonstrating local arts and crafts and a dance stage was set up for performances of indigenous music and dance. We were invited to set up a booth showing what we are doing. We were asked to bring our canoe.

The original plan was to sail it down to Ypao Beach and set up our booth there by the water. The organizers wanted us up nearer the rest of the fair. That meant we would have to push our canoe about 150 yards uphill and over concrete walks to where they wanted us. If we sailed it we would also have to deal with what have been very low tides.

So we decided to trailer the canoe to the event. Well, that brings up all sorts of other problems. We do not own a trailer or a truck large enough to do the job. We have to borrow them. The plan was to meet on Friday at 10:00 to move the canoe. Then the plan was changed to meeting at 1:00. Then we got the call that we would meet at Frank's ranch at 2:00. We waited there until Frank showed up at 3:00. When they hooked the trailer up to the truck it turned out that the hitch was too low and we would not be able to use that truck.

So we loaded the small canoe we are carving on to the truck and headed off to set up the booth. Our "booth" is a 30' by 30' canopy. We set the carving project inside and put a line of tables in a right angle to mount our pictures on. All we have is some poster boards and albums full of pictures, the Chamorro toothpick (Our carving project started out as a two man sailing canoe but has now been whittled down to a one man paddling canoe.), Gordon's display of hand-made jewelry that he sells, and, of course, the Quest, our 22' ocean sailing canoe.

Well, the Quest was not there, the pictures were not there, Gordon's jewelry was not there, and we didn't have any adzes with us so we could start carving. It was not a well organized effort.

Next morning Wakana and I headed down to Paseo to meet the crew as agreed at 9:00 to start moving the canoe. Nobody was there except for Tom. We waited. I played my guitar, Tom rode his bicycle, and Wakana rested in the shade. Finally the rest of the crew started to wander in about 10:00. Frank showed up with a different truck and the trailer. We got the canoe loaded and we ready to go when someone noticed a big piece of wire sticking out of one of the tires on the trailer. So we had to send someone to get a tire repair kit. Finally we were on our way.

Now, the Quest, when he's on the trailer, takes up one whole traffic lane plus a few inches. We have to go slow and we have to go in convoy. At a minimum we need to have one vehicle ahead and one behind. On Saturday morning we needed two trailing vehicles using one to block each lane behind the canoe. I had the duty as the block for the right hand lane, the one where we could expect angry drivers to try to pass us. After we pulled out of the courtyard at Paseo we stopped at the first light and I noticed that nobody had tied down the mast and sail. So we pulled our convoy out on to the road and lined up in the middle turning lane. While some of us tried to slow down the oncoming traffic the rest worked on tying down the load.

Then, finally we were on our way. It was slow going and the traffic was piling up behind us. We were on a seven lane road with a turn lane in the middle. The cars would zoom past us on the right and swing in suddenly when they got past me only to find that the canoe was there ahead of them. These were the people who do not see more than the car ahead of them. You could tell when they were surprised at what they found ahead of me.

At one light Gordon called on the radio that we should be able to get through. The light changed to yellow at his words but he zipped through anyway. Tom called him saying that he could get an operation to take the lead out of his foot. Then we came up on a crosswalk full of people coming out of church. Gordon called back a warning about "church walkers". Tom's answer was, "Let's send them to God." We spent a lot of time laughing in our cars.

About half way to the park a mysterious green pickup truck pulled into the line behind Gordon. We figured we were moving so slowly that he would give up soon. Then we figured he wanted to make a left and needed to pull over into the turn lane. Instead he hung on, moving with the convoy and even turning on his four way flashers! We were going nuts trying to figure out who this character was. He took a position protecting the right lane in front and helping us get through a complicated turn. Somebody suggested we give him a membership and a t-shirt. It wasn't until we got to the park that we found it was Bruce Best, a long time associate and supporter. Thanks for the help, Bruce.

Once we got to the park we had to maneuver the contraption down through a mess of cars parked haphazardly around the access road and people walking into and out of the fair grounds. Then we had to make a tight turn into the gate and run down to the booth. Bruce showed up to help unload. An older man, dark complexion set off by a white beard and bright Aloha shirt also helped. Later I introduced myself. He was an islander from Ulithi. He had been wandering the grounds looking for anything to do with seafaring and had seen nothing. Then, suddenly, we were there with a canoe. He was so happy to see that canoe. He looked at all our pictures and talked to everyone.

It's interesting that people who attend such events fall into one of three groups. There are those who don't know what they are looking at and do not care. Their eyes wander over the displays and then move in. They ask no questions and show no interest. Then there are the people who know a little and think they know it all. And they insist on telling you all they know. They do not listen to your comments and they do not want to know they are wrong. Their eyes are fixed on some point as they dredge up the truths and half truths and downright lies that make up their knowledge base.

But then there are those who do know what they are looking at and who stand quietly gazing, touching lightly, talking quietly with a friend, and remembering. Their eyes look at the displays and in the depth of those eyes you can see their memories scrolling by. Their questions touch on the organization and what we are doing with THEIR past and culture. The questions are gentle and probing, no animosity, and generally they are grateful for the chance to relive, if only for a moment, the past that made them what they are. Their memories are full of canoes and sailors they have known, navigators they have sailed with and islands they have visited. They remember good days and bad. And when they leave, they walk away slowly, turning back to look again and again.

The fair is set up on the road end of the park. There are brightly colored canopies, the beige pavilions and a big dance stage surrounded by scaffolding and the electronically amplified sound system. All through the day there is music coming from speakers the size of small cars. The performances usually are dance groups ranging from small children to adults from various islands. The costumes are colorful and the movements either graceful or threatening depending on the theme of the dance.

Overall it was a lovely day and well worth the effort of moving the Quest.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 May 05 - 09:48 PM

I hope my friends in the Northeast USA feel justified now. It's raining! And today we are supposed to take delivery of some new furniture!

Wakana and I have been discussing rearranging the living room. Yesterday we put it into action. Clutter was moved, corners swept out, couch slid across to the other wall and the TV moved and all was in disarray. Now we are somewhat in array and waiting for the new bookshelf and the bamboo screen to go behind the TV. We also have a stone lantern coming to sit out by the front door. And the rain keeps coming! Grumble, grumble, gripe, gripe.

We also managed to start mailing our wedding invitations. You're all invited but I hope you don't expect an invitation in the mail. Just RSVP by June 6 if you plan to come along. I don't expect any of you to fly all the way to Guam for this but if you do plan on June 18. The wedding ceremony will be at the canoe in Paseo Park with a reception to follow at the Jamaican Grill. It will be a sunset ceremony presided over by our master navigator, Manus Sekau.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 31 May 05 - 11:57 AM

I'd love to go - but it is a bit of a trip! Guess we'll just have to have another reception for you (or some sort of celebration) when you're in the area this fall!

Best wishes for a wonderful day!

    JudyB

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 03:25 AM

Well, today is a big day! Yesterday we got our new shelf and the bamboo screen. Today I hooked up my stereo for the first time since the fire. We've been using a boom box because we had no place to set up the components. Sigh, the sound is so much better. I used the speakers from the boom box to add a touch of surround sound to the mix. What a difference. The only problem is that the turntable is not working. I need to figure that out. It turns and makes sound but at such a low level that the stereo volume has to be at max to hear the record. I need to boost the level or get a better turntable.

The bamboo screen really makes a difference. We put it in a corner and it adds a real Asian flavor to the decor. My guitars look real good sitting in front of it.

The rain we got yesterday is still around today. It is part of a tropical storm working its way past the island to the south. The prdiction is that it will develop into a typhoon but only a small one and that it will do so after it is past us. Still, the season is almost upon us.

We were doing laundry earlier today and I thought it might be a good idea to give a better description of such a mundane task. We use a laundromat in Hagatna. Early on we looked at the cost of installing and running a washer and dryer and decided it was cheaper all the way round to keep going to the laundromat. One load of laundry costs $1.75. It would take 71 trips to the laundromat to defray the cost of the machines and the cost of electricity and water would add more time to that.

Anyway, the laundromat sits in one end of a building housing a pachinko parlor and a convenience store. The building is owned by the Korean family that operates all three businesses. There are forty washers and forty dryers in the place. The front is opened up by four large glass double doors and the rear of the place is opened up with two sets of large roll up doors like a garage. The effect is that you are working in a wind tunnel. It is very good at keeping the temperature within a decent working level. And you can back your car right up to the rear of the building and unload right into the working floor.

The floor is concrete as are the walls and all is painted white. There are folding tables and some chairs so you can sit in comfort waiting for the washing to finish up. We generally go in the morning or early afternoon and miss the crowds. There are also a couple of video games and a juke box.

This morning there was a young woman there doing an enormous amount of laundry. Wakana explained that she was a professional laundress doing other people's clothing. She certainly had a mess of it to do. Other People wandered in and out while we were there. The air was warm and humid so we were sweating but I have learned how to deal with sweat since I got here.

Wakana went up to the convenience store and brought back some cold drinks. We read and watched the people while the clothes washed and then transferred them to the dryers. The machines are relatively new and work quickly. In an hour and a half we were finished with six loads of laundry.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 10:38 AM

I dunno about your house, Brett, but in ours, 71 trips is less than a year's worth. And a good Maytag last for ten or twenty years.



A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Jun 05 - 09:56 PM

Nope, for us 71 trips is 1 year and 19 weeks. I figure 6 loads (2 for her, 2 for me, and 1 for towels) per trip. The machines cost a lot out here, they are kept outdoors so they deteriorate quickly, and the cost of electricity and water is high.

And who knows where we'll be in another year and a half. We might be moving in with you!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Jun 05 - 11:15 PM

I just called my parents, my usual Sunday morning call, and heard that they are suffering in 84 degree heat, sleeping under 2 fans and minimal bedclothes. And when they went up into the attic to get the fans they learned that they have bats up there. This is a real problem for my mother who is deathly afriad of them as are som many other people. It seems odd to me but the bats are nesting UNDER the floorboards in the insulation!

Yesterday Wakana cleaned all the old mangoes off the lawn. This morning she went out and filled a bag with the fruit that had fallen during the night. We had fresh mangoes for breakfast. Nice sweet mangoes.

The other day she thought to take some to Gordon and his family. She didn't think they had a tree. When we got there she realized she had left the fruit by the door so she dropped me off and ran home to get it. As she drove off Gordon's son came out from behind the house with a bunch of mangoes and the fruit picker. So I told him to meet her at the curb and offer her a mango.

Gordon's tree has the best mangoes I have ever eaten, far better than ours. Other people here on the island are jealous of his tree. Frank wants to graft a cutting from his tree onto one of his trees. I think it has to do with soil and water but I am not a botanist and Frank is.

The other day I read one of the legal notices in the paper for the first time. There was a piece of land for sale in Malojloj, just a quarter of an acre, but I got the idea that I should research the process behind these notices and the subsequent sales. Gordon has bought land this way and gave me some advice. This piece is well back from the road in a nice rural area. Tomorrow I will take a pocketful of retirement savings to the auction and see what I can do about owning a piece of Guam. Wish me luck.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 10:01 AM

what a place to own land!

sandra

you write about mangoes, so Google advertises the following -

Deviled Egg - Great deals on Deviled Egg Shop on eBay & save (eh??)

Win $10,000 cash - take our 5 minute grocery shopping surveys for a chance to win $10,000

weird.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 11:30 PM

Well, the day is here. This afternoon, at sunset, we marry in a formal ceremony as required by Japanese custom. We will gather with friends and family by the canoe down in Paseo Park and speak our vows. Wakana is a nervous wreck though she tries not to show it. Her parents, aunt, and brother and his family are on a plane as I type. We go to meet them in another hour and a half.

This has been an exercise in the blind leading the blind. She didn't know what to have for her ceremony and expected me to have all the answers because I was married once before. Also I had to make most of the arrangements because she doesn't trust her English. Wish us luck.

I just received my travel itinerary for the Big Trip. I will add it to this thread and my globe thread later. Got to go practice for my wedding song.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: CarolC
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 12:51 AM

Good luck! Have a WONDERFUL ceremony!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: JudyB
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 02:45 AM

No idea if it's yesterday or tomorrow - so I hope you will have, are having or did have a fantastic formal wedding ceremony, another step on the way to a long and happy life together.

Love,
JudyB

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 05:51 AM

Brett - When you get to the Getaway , if we havent already done itin UK we must sing 'The Wedding Song' for you and Wakana !! Best of luck to you both !

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 08:33 AM

When you get a chance, Brett, you might back up this thread just in case Mudcat has another major crash. And you might even consider starting a new thread in commemoration of "happier ever after."

So what wedding song did you sing?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 02:15 AM

What a day it was! It seems that everything that is well planned has to have something go wrong. The corollary is that failure to plan properly means that there will be few problems. And that is how things went.

We ran a few pre-wedding errands in the morning and stopped by the canoe meeting on our way home. We discussed moving the canoe to the site and then headed home. Wakana's stress levels were building and she kept looking at her watch and predicting where her family might be at each moment. We gathered flowers, plumeria, for her bouquet and she worked feverishly trying to corral the blossoms into something that she thought might look good. Then she gathered up her wedding things and we headed down to Tumon to meet her family.

The plan was to meet with them and drive her and her brother down to the rental agency so he could rent a van. Then I would go to Kmart for some disposable cameras and head home to change into my wedding garb (Aloha shirt and white trousers). The bus bringing the family from the airport was late and then they had to go through a dozen iterations of greetings and comparing and trying on clothes and figuring out the rented cell phone, and etc. etc. etc. We finally got them to the rental agency just before 5:00, i.e., closing time. I raced off to buy the cameras and to get home. I jumped into the wedding outfit and raced back to Paseo Park.

There I found the canoe club maneuvering the boat into the wrong position. Manny and I got them to move it into the right position and then they got the mast up. A group of local Puluwatese helped with the boat maneuvers and that was a life saver.

About then Wakana arrived and she had to greet all her old friends. Did I mention this was a sunset ceremony? Have I ever mentioned how quickly the sun seems to set here? Getting people to start the ceremony was like herding cats! However, we finally got into position and her father walked her over to me and we were able to start.

We had a flower girl and a ring bearer. Our flower girl was 5 year old Lola, the kid who decided on her own that I was Grandpa. She was so cute in her new white dress with flowers in her hair. She was excited at the job she had and very solemn about it. Our ring bearer was Wakana's 13 year old niece in her new blue dress. We had placed our rings in a small hand carved wooden box on a lace pillow. Lola steered them off course, headed for the canoe instead of the groom, but they got back on course and arrived in proper order. Wakana was wearing a simple white dress with a veil she'd made for herself. She was beautiful. She had a big smile. Her father handed her over to me and I bowed a thank you to him. Manny, our navigator was officiating at the ceremony. He started by talking about the canoes of the Caroline Islands where he is from. Here is what he said. I stole his notes.

"Brett and Wakana. In the Carolines a canoe is just like a human being. It takes you to any island you want to go to either for trade, to visit relatives, or for pleasure. You can go fishing and bring in fish for your family or clan. And if there's any disaster that needs people to evacuate the island then you will have something to leave on. Canoe and canoe houses keep family, clan, and canoe house members together. Because this canoe brought you two together I hope you will always remember it to keep you loving each other, now and forever."

I took my guitar and sang Give Yourself To Love, almost the only love song I know.

When we met with Manny to plan the ceremony we asked him about marriage customs on Puluwat. He said that the groom gives the bride's family a breadfruit tree. I knew that Wakana really wants a calamansi tree so I stopped along the way to the wedding and cut a branch from a tree. I gave it to Wakana as a symbol of the tree I will give her when we return from our Big Trip.

After that we spoke our vows:

"I, Brett/Wakana, take you, Wakana/Brett, to be my wife/husband, my constant friend, my partner and my love from this day forward. Here in the presence of our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward."

Then we put on our rings and we were done. The picture taking went on for quite a while. We were using Wakana's digital and the four disposables I bought. It turned out that the digital camera no longer wants to stay focused on the job so many of our pictures are blurred. But there are other photos out there that we have yet to see. I will soon post some to the web site for your entertainment.

It was a truly beautiful sunset with the sky lit up in a blaze of orange and pink, the warm breezes rattling the palm fronds, the water gently lapping at the beach. We had a marvelous setting and a wonderful crowd of friends.

After the ceremony we adjourned to the Jamaican Grill for the reception. I had rented their air conditioned room and bought a meal for 50 people. When we got there we found they had decorated the place for us with banners and balloons and put out a couple of bottles of sparkling wine on ice. The food was delicious, as it always is there, and the crowd was pleasant. The staff kept the peach iced tea flowing and the food trays piled high with BBQ ribs, jerked chicken, Jamaican rice, red rice, and the salsa and fruit salad bowls. Everyone left stuffed to the gills.

Franks was there with his son Pedro. Here on Guam the Chamorro children are taught to greet their elders by taking the elder's hand and pressing it to their own cheek. Pedro is still in diapers and still pre-language but has learned to properly greet an elder. He is so cute with his curly hair and big smile.

So there we are. Wakana has had her ceremony and now truly feels married.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 03:26 AM

Congratulations Brett and Wakana ! And Charleys idea of a new thread is a good one , especially as this one is now - - - -

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 03:27 AM

FOUR HUNDRED !!!!!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 08:50 AM

more congratulations to you both, & I'm looking forward to seeing the sunset wedding pictures

sandra

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: GUEST,Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 10:09 AM

sigh...whew!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: CarolC
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 02:04 PM

That's beautiful, Brett. Thanks for describing it. Looking forward to the pictures.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 06:46 PM

Yesterday the family came over to the house and then we went down to Jan Z's for lunch. This was the second Big Event for Wakana. None of her family has ever come to visit her in any of her former homes. Of course, none of her former homes was ever much more than a resting place between work or play days. This one is a true home. Understandably she was nervous about their impression.

And that impression was quite favorable. From the ocean view to the large rooms they were very impressed. We all sat in the living room and drank iced tea and talked. Fumito and I shared songs and passed my old guitar back and forth. He tried out my little Martin and my Haruo 12-string. It was a lovely visit.

Way back on my last visit to Tokyo with Fumito we visited one music store that had a taishogoto. I was interested in the instrument and asked several questions. Yesterday he handed me one as a gift! So now I own yet another musical instrument. Sigh.

The taishogoto is about 2 feet long and looks a little like a keyed mountain dulcimer. Mine is black with a gold design painted on the top. There are six strings, two that act as drones and four that are keyed. The strings appear to ALL be tuned to the same note, the larger strings an octave down from the smaller strings. There are twenty-five keys, fourteen white and eleven black, all numbered. The black keys are labeled with a sharp sign (#) but my chromatic tuner seems to indicate that those keys are playing natural notes and the white keys are the sharps.

I don't have a clue how to tune it or if I can change the tuning to fit better into a Western music style. Somehow I don't think it would be a good idea to change the tuning but I will need to play with it some more. It might sound good as a back up to the Yangtse River Shanty, Charley. It has that Asian sound, the high twangy almost off-key sound we associate with the background music in bad movies that feature Asian settings. I will start a thread on the instrument looking for info. A Google search didn't have much help.

Today we put the family on a plane and we will be done with one of the Big Events for this summer. The other one is coming up fast, the Big Trip. We will be leaving in July for Japan, England, New England, Seattle, and Hawaii.

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:04 AM

"Outward Bound from Guam"?

Other thread title suggestions?

I'd certainly like to hear an oriental musical arrangement for "Yangtse River Shanty." Of course, while you're doing that, why not come up with an alternative set of words from Young Moon's perspective, after she's fleeced another sailorman.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Amos
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:32 AM

Brett:

Warmest congrats to you and your bride. I am very happy for you!!


A

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Lana
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 10:22 AM

My sewing machine arrived today!!! Thanks Dad!! :-D
It's so pretty.
Love
Lana

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 11:27 AM

Hey, Brett, we haven't heard from you in over a week. Or you too happy or something to post?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 08:41 PM

Too happy? Not really. You know what they say about depression in the weeks after Christmas? Well, Wakana has experienced something of the sort after the wedding. Plus my knee is really bothering me. I stupidly tossed the crutches on the big day and I am still paying the piper for that move.

But life is good here. Things are coming back on to an even keel. We are deep into planning the Big Trip. We bought the plane tickets last week. Here is our itinerary:

Depart Guam for Japan July 22 at 1200.

Depart Japan for England July 31 at 1620, arrive on August 1 at 0640 local time.

Depart England for New York August 31 at 1230, arrive at 1525 local time.

Depart NYC for Toronto September 1 Return September 5.

Depart NYC for Maine by train on September 5 or 6.

From September 6 through September 11 we will be in southern Maine. I expect we will be at the Press Room on the 9th and at the Music thing at Robin Hood Cove on the 10th. Then we are off to northern Maine to visit my parents. We will be there for the rest of September and the first week of October. We will probably take a trip down to Nova Scotia and Fredrickton during that time.

Depart Maine for Maryland on 11 October. Visit in Connecticut and sightseeing along the way.

October 14 through 17 – FSGW!

October 17 through 26 we will be sightseeing in Washington and Baltimore.

Depart NYC for Los Angeles October 26 at 1325, arrive at 1618 local time.

Visit with Amos in San Diego and with other friends in Seattle.

Depart Los Angeles on November 11 at 0910 arrive in Guam at 0045 on November 12.

So stand by USA, Canada, and England for the invasion and tour of the century (at least for me and Wakana). Set your calendars for a wake up call on the date of your choice. Here we come!

Subject: RE: Springtime In Guam
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 09:07 PM

As requested I am closing this thread and starting a new one. Click here for the new thread, Happily Ever After in Guam.