I AM a daughter of Saipan, Virginia Flores Camacho. This June, I brought my family of seven to Saipan, the key destination of our three-week trip that included visits to Japan, Guam, and Honolulu. I was excited to introduce my grandchildren, Linden, age 7, and Callen, age 10, to Northern Marianas heritage and history. I hoped to open their eyes to my homeland’s future in the world market and also as a potential future home. My own adult children, daughter Chrissy and son Robby, shared this vision as they enjoyed revisiting the island.
I was so happy not to use my machete to clear trails to Bird Island, Old Man by the Sea, Grotto, and Forbidden Island. The Forbidden Island Look Out made a nice addition to places to see. I was grateful for the washrooms at the Grotto. It was good to see people disposing of their own garbage in garbage cans, although dogs and garbage divers searching for food spread the trash. I was pleased to see buildings being maintained, noting that the owners of poorly maintained buildings should be fined. We feasted on Chamorro foods and Tuba, Chamorro food unique to the Mariana Islands.
Thank you, Saipan, for the warm and wonderful hospitality. Thank you, Elbert Quitugua, for suggesting the ocean path to enjoy our beautiful ocean as we traversed along the beach road. Thank you, Mike Pangelinan, for teaching my grandson about fishing. Thank you, classmate leaders, Rita, Da, Elbert, Roman, and Jose. It was wonderful to see John Whitbeck, English teacher, has returned and is now living on Saipan. Each individual contribution to enhance Saipan living is notable and admirable; thank you everyone.
I hope to return soon, to join you in May 2025 for the Rota Coconut Crab Festival and Festivals of the Marianas.
Yo agradece todo, si Yuus maase.
Fondly,
VIRGINIA
