By Katie McDonald
When my husband told me we were moving to Guam, my first question (after where in the world is Guam?) was: what will our lives be like there? I worried about feeling bored, isolated, and plagued by island fever, and you probably share my fears. However, after over two years of island life, I can say that many of the assumptions military families make are, thankfully, wrong.
There’s nothing to do besides the beach
While you’re absolutely right that Guam has world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities, there are plenty of other ways to stay busy. I’ve participated in a book club and run club, attended and hosted trivia nights, have gone to farmers markets, night markets, and fiestas, participated in yoga classes, and volunteered with a few different organizations. Whether you’re a gym rat or Pokémon card trader, you’ll find events and groups that fit your passions.
Looking for something to do? Check out our Events Page to see what’s happening around Guam.
Hosting a trivia night at Antigu Brewing.
My kids will be stuck inside because of the heat and rain
You’re right, Guam is hot, humid, and rainy, but there’s so much for families to enjoy when the weather isn’t great. From indoor playgrounds to the newly opened Gigo Arcade in the Village of Donki to the Guam Museum to art classes at Creative Indeed and bowling at Leo Palace, there’s plenty to keep your kids (and you!) busy while in air conditioning. I recently met up with a friend and her kids at the Micronesia Mall while it was raining cats and dogs, and we had a fantastic time getting matcha and snacks (the food court takes you right back to your childhood!) and chatting while her kids enjoyed the indoor playground.
GiGo arcade in the Village of Donki.
It’s hard to make friends and I'll be lonely
Moving far from your friends and family is hard, but the Chamorro culture of hospitality makes it easier to feel like part of the community. Because of differing work schedules, my husband went to Christmas Eve Mass by himself while I was back in the States visiting family. His coworker saw that he was by himself and welcomed him to his family’s home to enjoy dinner and hours of conversation. Similarly, when we attended our church’s fiesta for the first time, a woman we had never met saw we were new and immediately made sure we felt welcomed. She stood with us on the food line and explained what the different dishes were and then invited us to sit with her. We chatted about her family, the upcoming pilgrimage she would attend, and my husband’s work, and, before we knew it, over an hour had passed.
There’s nowhere to shop for...
There may not be the big box stores you’re used to in the States, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty of shopping opportunities in Guam! There’s a mall and outlet mall, specialty stores, and plenty of local businesses that provide a wide range of items. The Village of Donki and Ross are two quintessential Guam shopping experiences you can’t miss out on. The Village of Donki has become my favorite place to shop because there’s always a new surprise. From the juiciest most flavorful peaches I’ve ever had to adorable stuffed animals, there’s always something that makes me smile. Plus, the store’s addictive, ear-worm theme song has been continuously stuck in my head for two years.
Peaches at Donki.
There’s no seasons
Yes, you’re right, Guam lives in an endless summer but that doesn’t mean we don’t celebrate the holidays. You can find pumpkin spice lattés in the fall, plenty of Christmas displays in the winter (doing a hotel lobby crawl is the best way to take it all in!), and can meet the Easter Bunny in the spring. Plus, you can add new events to your calendar like Liberation Day, the start of dry season, and Mes CHamoru.
Christmas parade float at Skinner Plaza.
While it’s easy to make assumptions about island life, you’ll often find yourself pleasantly surprised if you’re willing to explore and embrace what Guam has to offer. Beautiful views, a slower pace, and a warm welcome await you, and the adventure is entirely what you’ll make it.
