On February 22nd we reached the island of Chuuk, formerly called Truk. This was another island that was occupied by the Japanese during WWII. This island, like many neighboring ones, have been frequently hit by severe tropical storms/typhoons, so
The islands are quite devastated and houses dilapidated. Traveling on the island was not the best. At the same time other than some remnants of the war, there was not much to see. It also seems to be an island that is quite poor with no income other than some tourism.
After Chuuk we traveled 2 days at sea, which were good days. On February 25th, we reached Guam. While touring the island we found that it was originally taken over by the Spanish until the Spanish-American war when it came under the jurisdiction of the United States. It was then taken over by the Japanese during WWII. During the war, the US invaded and retook the island. This island shows signs of some prosperity due to US armed forces presence on this island. In its downtown area, there are many beautiful hotels and luxury retail stores. At times we felt as though we were in the US with the ease of making phone calls, currency, and American restaurants and businesses being prevalent. It has become a very popular place for vacationing Japanese. Many advertisements, stores, etc. cater to these tourists.
Last evening we were invited to share in the birthday celebration of one of the passengers with whom we dine. It was a nice party and her husband managed to make it a surprise for her.
Today we are at sea and it again has been a rough one. Both of us needing medication and just taking it easy. Tomorrow we will be in the Iwo Jima area. There have been more lecturers who have enlightened us on WWII events and on the present day Japanese culture.
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