Going to Guam - Hafa Adai!
Friends:
The first part of my travel day did not fare well. Going through airport security in New Orleans, TSA lost my blue tooth earpiece. It went into the little blue bowl and into the x-ray machine. The blue bowl came out empty. Needless to say, I was a little upset. I will have to file a claim with TSA. Still, I couldn’t let that incident taint the rest of my day.
I flew from New Orleans to Houston International Airport, where I then boarded a plane to Tokyo (Narita). It was a looooooong flight - 14 hours (plus the hour from New Orleans to Houston)! Here is a picture from my window over the wing of the Boeing 767 overlooking the beautiful snow-capped mountains in Washington (just past Spokane).
I sat next to Irene, a lovely woman from Guam. She and I were on two flights together - Tokyo and Guam. This is a picture of Japan, just as we were arriving…
When I arrived in Tokyo, I had to go through customs and security again to continue my transit to Guam. Fortunately, I had a 2 hour layover. I ate at a noodle restaurant near my gate and met some Japanese “tomodachi” (friends). I didn’t speak much Japanese and they didn’t speak much English but we communicated and they were a delight - Reiko, Keiko and Eikeishi (sp?). We bonded over udon (Japanese noodles) and umesyu (plum wine - talking about it, not drinking it). LOL See, language doesn’t have to be a barrier. They were on their way to Brazil for vacation.
After another four hour flight to Guam, I finally arrived at nearly 10:00 pm on Thursday, March 6. My clients from the Guam Reading Association greeted me so warmly. Pictured from left to right: Tina Buendicho, Cyndi Pruski, me, and Evelyn Topasna. They welcomed me with a gorgeous handmade banner of woven grass and tropical fabric, and two fragrant Plumeria leis.
“Hafa Adai” means “Hello” or “Welcome” in Chamorro, the culture of Guam, much like “Aloha” is used in Hawaii. I was so moved by their warm welcome. Cyndy’s daughter and son-in-law also came in on the same flight from Houston! Unfortunately, our paths never crossed. Cyndy left with her family while Tina and Evelyn escorted me to my hotel, The Fiesta Resort. I have a lovely room with a view of a tropical palm grove and the ocean! You can hear the waves dancing on the shore from my balcony.
The room is very “Zen”, a few well-placed furniture pieces with clean lines. I love it. Here is a picture of my welcome gifts - Plumeria flowers, the 2 Plumeria leis, and a bag of goodies from Guam. (Thanks, Tina!)
Tina, a first grade teacher, and Evelyn, a second grade teacher, stayed for a while and we talked about our passion - connecting children with stories through storytelling and reading. They are remarkable women. We all connected from the moment we met. I can tell I am going to enjoy my visit here. We’re already talking about a return visit. 
Tomorrow is a big day. I have presentations at two schools including a cultural dance presentation for me by the students and a lunch fiesta. It’s going to be so much fun! I can’t wait! After nearly 24 hours of travel, the shower and the bed beckon…
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
P.S. I love and miss you already, Antonio, Soleil & Eliana! XOXOXO!