Happy Independence Day!

Tuesday, 4 July, 2006 by Beachbums1

On this day of celebration, please take a moment to remember our Founding Fathers ~ men of wealth and means who sacrificed all they had for freedom. Most were wealthy landowners and lawyers who took a great risk signing the Declaration of Independence. They knew they would pay a high price but signed anyway. 30% of the signers had all their possessions confiscated.

It was not easy for them in 1776 just as it is not easy for those who continue to fight for freedom in 2006. Throughout these 230 years, the United States of America has been blessed with those willing to risk it all to fight tyranny and now terror. I celebrate, appreciate and am forever thankful to all those who protect our freedom and especially to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the Brave.” ~ Elmer Davis

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Might as well be walking on the sun…

Monday, 3 July, 2006 by Beachbums1

Since moving to Guam, I’ve become obsessed with finding the perfect sunscreen. Some days it really does feel like I’m inches away from the sun. Now, everytime I go to the store, I check out the latest in sunscreen lotions, sprays and sticks. There are so many chioces! I’ve been experimenting with what works best for me ~ so much so that my bathroom countertop has become more cluttered than usual:

FG is hooked on Neutrogena Body Mist Sunblock spray (SPF 45). It’s a good thing because it is easy to use so she is more likely to want to put it on. For our faces, we all use Coppertone lotion (SPF 50). The Coppertone Sport spray (SPF 30) is great but feels a little sticky so I only use it when I go swimming, hiking or doing any other sport ~ basically when I need waterproof and “ultra sweatproof” coverage.

I’m happy to say we have yet to sunburn and I plan on keeping it that way! Let me know if you’ve found the perfect sun block. I’ll give it a try.

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Flashback Friday: London 2003

Friday, 30 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

Visiting London was a great way to spend the 4th of July weekend! We were experiencing the hottest and driest European summer in years so my memories of London will be one of hot and dry rather then the stereotypical cold, foggy and wet.

We crammed in as much sightseeing as we could in 3 days and with a 5 year old in tow. The highlights for me were:

* The Tower of London ~ the Beefeater tour guide, a former British Army soldier, was cheeky as could be and well worth the price of the tour.

* Boat Ride on the River Thames ~ again, a hilarious narration of the city’s history. I love British humor.

* The London Eye ~ it took the first half of the ride for me to stop hyperventilating, but then I enjoyed the fabulous views of London and wanted to go again.

* Trip to Greenwich ~ as in Greenwich Mean Time.

* “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang” ~ a play in the West End, fun for young and old alike.

* Hyde Park ~ FG was fascinated with water fountains at this time and loved the ones all over the city. This photo of FG is in Hyde Park:

We took the Tube everywhere we traveled and the only time I felt unsafe was our attempt to find a Lonely Planet recommended vegetarian restaurant in Notting Hill. As we left the Tube station, and ventured toward the address, the neighborhood got more than a little sketchy. Once we finally got to the door, we found it boarded up. Good thing we are early eaters and it was still light out. Lesson learned: we ALWAYS call a restaurant when going by a travel guide book, regardless of how new the book is.

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

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Hooters Benefit a Bust!

Thursday, 29 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

I just read that the Los Angeles Animal Services is not going to accept money raised at a Hooters fundraiser called “Hooters for Neuters” ~ there was a lot of pressure put on the Director of Animal Services not to sully the good name of Los Angeles by being associated with Hooters. Personally, I have never stepped foot into a Hooters restaurant and don’t plan to anytime soon but FM assures me that they have great food. It must be good since I see multiple charges from Hooters on the credit card whenever he happens to be on TDY. Something about the ribs being good.

Back to the animal shelter…is it me or does this seem a little too “PC” ~ especially coming from L.A. where every other movie out of Hollywood objectifies or degrades women. Why don’t these “protesters” start with movies, TV and music videos rather than a fundraiser for animal services?! Seems a little sad that the animals suffer for a misguided attempt to be on the moral high ground. There are 19,500 animals killed by Animal Control of L.A. each year, so worrying about a bikini contest, when the women are willing participants and wearing about the same thing they wear to work, seems a little silly to me. My suggestion is throw in a couple of hunks in speedos and we’ll call it even.

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Guam: My Chuckle of the Week…

Wednesday, 28 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

I met a really nice woman who is in the Air Force and, just when I thought there was potential for a new friend, she said her household goods were being picked up this week. Bummer. We continued chatting and she mentioned she had put in for an Air Force job in Germany but it would be at an Army base. She was reluctant and told her boss that everyone knows how hard the Army trains physically and she didn’t think she would be able to handle the cold, long nights, and no sleep.

Her boss replied with: Oh, don’t worry about that, the Army knows the Air Force are training wimps, they won’t expect you to keep up. 😉

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Guam: Underwater Creatures ~ the lazy way

Tuesday, 27 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

We decided to check out Underwater World after enjoying a delectable lunch at the Jamaican Grill in Tumon. I ordered the grilled vegetable plate with a side of red rice and a side of Jamaican rice & beans. Along with this, I got a house salad ~ a mixture of fresh vegetables,fruits and the house “fruit” dressing. Everything was very colorful, tangy and unique. The jerk seasoning is a little spicy for me so it’s a good thing I ordered the refreshing Reggae Splash (blend of mango, guava & pineapple juices). Next time I’m getting the large drink! Ya Mon!

Underwater World. It’s great for someone who doesn’t want to go on an actual dive. There’s  an acrylic tunnel with 3 inches separating you from the sharks, rays, sea turtles, groupers, wrasse & other sea life. We happened to arrive just as feeding time started. It was very interesting to see the sharks and rays eat ~ reminded me of my always hungry hound dog nudging everyone out of his way for some food. These sharks and rays are so tame that the aquarium divers could turn a shark over and rub his big belly before feeding him. Again, reminding me more of a dog than a killer shark. I had to explain to Logan NOT to try this in the ocean.

After leaving the tunnel, we arrived at the individual displays of jellyfish, spider crabs, octopus, clown fish, anemones, sea horses, lion fish, etc. It was educational and a real thrill for FG. Personally, I prefer the real deal in the sea but would recommend this as a nice diversion, especially for kids!

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Guam: Give me an “A”

Monday, 26 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

A local Guam company “Funtastic Park” is offering free ride coupons based on a child’s report card. They will give three coupons for an “A”, two for a “B” and one for a “C”. What a great way to instill a little more pride in a child. What kid doesn’t want to show off those As and Bs ~ especially the younger crowd. It doesn’t apply to FG yet but for any of you with older children, check out which nationwide companies are offering these rewards for grades. Let your child show off a little! If you know of any local companies in your community offering rewards, leave a comment. It might help another reader. Thanks!

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Flashback Friday: Germany Volksmarching 2001-2005

Friday, 23 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

We started going on Volksmarches soon after arriving in Germany. Every Thursday, the Stars and Stripes lists upcoming Volksmarches in the travel section. Since Logan was only three when we started, we would partake in the 5k walks and the dogs came with us. As years passed, FG could handle the 10k but the dogs were getting too old for such a long walk.

If you are living in Germany, I highly recommend participating in a Volksmarch whenever you can. I have to admit, I was a fair-weathered walker but I went as often as I could. The walks are very well organized. The start/finish area always has good food & beer awaiting you.

From the first walk with our good friends the Drakes in 2001, with the Lows in 2003 to the last one with the Sharp family in 2005, I have very fond memories of walking through the towns and wooded areas of Germany. It was always a good time!

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Germany: Sport on a Volksmarch in Bavaria

Friday, 23 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

Favorite photo of Sport ~ enjoying a run during our Volksmarch.

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Guam: Shop til you drop!

Friday, 23 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

Least anyone think I am languishing on an island with limited shopping, think again. Guam is quite the shopping mecca and boasts the largest K-Mart in the world. Yes, in the world! There is actually bus service that shuttles tourists (mostly Japanese) along a shopping route which includes K-Mart, Micronesia Mall, and others.

Micronesia Mall has a huge variety of stores including Macys, a ‘Funtastic Park’ for kids, a movie complex with first run films and a food court with the following international cuisine: Korean, Chinese, Japanese, American, Italian, Chamorro and Filipino.

Tumon, where most of the upscale resorts are located, offers high-end shopping with boutiques such as Kate Spade, Gucci, Dior, Ferragamo, & Prada, or in other words, all the stores I can’t afford to even step into let alone buy anything.

My favorite store so far is the Pop and Pour in Dededo. It is a newly opened wine store with great selections from France, Italy, US, Australia, South Africa, Portugal and Chile. German wines are soon to be available. Note to V. ~ don’t know if that will include any fat ass wine from Germany 🙂 Becky and Juvee offer great customer service including free delivery with orders of $150 or more and they will chill a bottle if you call in advance.

Not that I have time for shopping, too much beaching to do. But, it’s nice to know it’s available should I need a Gucci bag 😉

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