Saipan ... Year-round Summer

 Monday, February 19, 2024

Saipan

Today we get to enjoy all that the Commonwealth of Saipan has to offer.  I mention it as a Commonwealth of the United States, which it is, unlike Guam which is a Territory of the U.S.  All those born in Saipan are also American citizens.  I call it year-round summer because Saipan holds the Guinness World record for the most consistent temperature on Earth with a low of 19.6 Celsius and a high of 31.4 Celsius.  I will disclose these in Fahrenheit later in the blog in case you don’t want to look it up yourself.**   Sheesh, do I have to do everything?   I’m on vacation!  Saipan is the largest of and capital of the Northern Mariana Islands.   It is known for its beaches, climate, and like Capri, Italy, it has its own Blue Grotto.  Saipan has a laid-back slower lifestyle and tourism is its primary industry.  Which is clearly easy to see why. Sandy beaches line the island and mountainous landscapes inland host several championship golf courses.  The people are very friendly here and you get the feeling they are actually happy we are here.

Like Guam, Saipan played a major role in WWII with its strategic location.  The battle of Saipan took place from June 15, 1944, to July 9, 1944.  Saipan was heavily entrenched by the Japanese and during the battles more than 32,000 Japanese troops and civilians were killed.  Not all of these casualties were from battle.   The Japanese felt it was disgraceful to be taken prisoner. Death was more honorable to them, so as the Americans became more and more successful, thousands of soldiers and civilians threw themselves off the cliffs to the rocks below.   They had heard that they would be tortured and killed if the Americans took them hostage.   Suicide Cliff, and Bonsai Cliff at 600 ft. claimed thousands of men, women, and children rather than having to surrender.  It is an ugly reminder of the horrors of WWII.  American Memorial Park pays tribute to those who served and died here.  We didn't get to visit these significant places, but several of our friends did.

Today we hopped off our boat, got in a van which took us to another boat.   That boat, which might have seen better days, called the Ocean Star, took us out to Managaha Island for a "3 hour tour .... a 3 hour tour."  

Here, we enjoyed the beaches and snorkled in the clear blue waters.   Managaha Island is a tiny spit of land off the coast but well within sight of Saipan.   It, too, was used as a defensive location during WWII.  

You can still see the gun barrels reaching out to sea ready to defend the island.  Luckily, today, no one is firing any shells and instead the only noises you hear are a great breeze coming from the ocean, from the birds which are everywhere and people having fun enjoying the partly cloudy day.   The sun did finally peek out and when it did the waters got even bluer and clearer. 

Out on the reef area, we saw several aquarium type fish, some strange fish, coral reef fish, sea cucumbers but no turtles or rays, dolphins or sharks.   We were told it probably best not to drink the water or ice from this place so lucky for me they just happened to have a beer I had not had yet, Asah Pacific Blue.   So when in Rome… or Managaha...

After a couple of hours there we headed back to our ship, grabbed a quick shower and hopped on the shuttle bus to town.   We had about an hour so we hoofed it down the street to a little bit of everything store and they actually had what we were looking for.   A new keyboard for the computer.  Our “T” had quit working and it’s amazing how many times you need a “t”.   I guess I have been too heavy handed in my blogging.  Anyway, we hoofed back down to the shuttle with about 20 minutes to spare and got back on the bus and headed to back to port.  

A group of islanders dressed in their native clothing were there to give us a dancing and drum sendoff.   They ranged from kids around 10 or so to adults.  They performed for us for about 30 minutes and the sides of the boat were lined with our fellow passengers all taking pictures and enjoying the show.   Another good sail away.  When we leave a port, it is customary to give a couple three big blasts from our ship’s horn.  It is loud when you are out on the deck.   On shore, all the police cars sounded their sirens in response.  They even got on their bullhorns and said thank you for coming, etc. Everyone was waving us goodbye and it was fun to return their friendly gestures.  

It was a great day for Vi and LeRoy.   We enjoyed Guam and Saipan. Three days at sea are between us and our first stop in Japan.   Looking forward to it.   Have never been.   Three stops in a row will keep us busy,  but stay tuned and we will try to keep you going with us.

LeRoy and Vi

** 67.2 and 88.5 degrees Fahrenheit