Goodbye Guam, Hello Philippines 3-10-08
Friends:
The picture above is the last look at the beach in Tumon Bay, right in front of my hotel. So beautiful. I will surely miss it!
I spent my last few hours in Guam walking around (I must have walked about 2.5 miles - good exercise!). I ate at a Vietnamese Restaurant, Hoa Mai. Then I walked A LOT uphill and took a last trip to K-Mart so I could buy a few more Guam goodies for my family in the Philippines. Tina Buendicho, the President of the IRA Guam Council, and her children picked me up to head for the airport.
It was such a sad goodbye. I really made some good friends in Guam. I will never forget how wonderful the people of Guam were to me. I had excellent service at the hotel, made incredible connections with the students, and met such an inspiring group of teachers. Then there was Tina, Evelyn and Cyndy… They made my short stay in Guam a true paradise. Here is my last picture with Tina and her family. I love you guys! I look forward to a return trip!
I am such a lucky woman, blessed to be doing what I do… 
My trip to the Philippines took about 3 hours and 20 minutes. When I arrived at the airport, my Aunts, Espie and Jovie, were waiting for me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. My client, Meinard Cruz, General Manager of Scholastic Book Fairs, was also there to take me to my hotel. We went to my new hotel, Legend Villas in Mandaluyong (Manila). Look at this gorgeous bouquet!
My hotel room is a “villa.” It is two stories, with a kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom with two double bed, and a huge bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub that can fit three people! LOL Here is a picture of Auntie Jovie and Auntie Espie (L to R) after I gave them their “pasalubong” - gifts from the U.S. and Guam.
Later, my cousin, Katrin, joined us after getting off duty at the hospital where she is training. Katrin is studying to become a registered nurse. This is Katrin.
They all spent the night in my room. Because of all the excitement and the preparation I had to do for the next day, I didn’t sleep until 3:30 am! I had to wake up at 6 am the next day… But I don’t get to see my family in the Philippines very often so it was worth it.
It’s been such a full journey so far! I look forward to my visit here in the Philippines. Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
Tags: Author, Storyteller, Storytelling Tours, Travel