Travel

Perched on top of a wooden roller coaster with 30-meter climbs peering out into the desolate stillness, I saw him—an ambiguously dressed Japanese man patrolling the grounds. Security? Could be. This was the moment they had warned me about. Across the distance, we both froze in place.

May 3-5: Dragon boats to race in Naha
 

As I sit here in the States and reflect on the last four years of my life, a smile comes to my face. When we got orders for Guam in 2014, I didn’t know what to expect, and I admit I was a little scared. The island of Guam was to be my home for four years. There was so much to learn and explore on this island. Guam is full of love and beauty.

The 44th Naha Dragon Boat Race will take place May 3-5. This three-day event draws around 200,000 people every year, with the excitement peaking on the final day. Many teams will compete that day, and some of the matchups will feature U.S. service branches.

During this year’s Golden Week, Bios on the Hill will present special attractions. The Urizun Flower Festival continues until May 6 where moth orchids and cattleya flowers are expected to be in full bloom at the park. On-site hammocks will give visitors the opportunity to take a nap surrounded by beautiful nature.

A unique theme park emerges in Chatan Dome on May 5. Kids can have fun going down a snow slide, touching a snowman, jumping on a trampoline or in a bouncy house, competing in bubble soccer or bouldering. The event will also include a kids’ disco, pools, puppies and kittens, mini cars and more.