All good getting here. Kind of don’t know what to do with the stress of that move turning into living this dream.
It went smoother than I expected, all around. The worst part was leaving my credit card and drivers license at the rental car place at the airport. Oh, and that car that dogged me out of the airport with hardly anyone on the road otherwise… first world problems, right.
Anyway, I didn’t make it swimming today. Jet lagged, not much sleep and by the time my phone got situated today and grabbed some food and supplies I was back to feeling like I’m 90.
I swear, this island IS going to make me feel 10 years younger, with sun and exercise and just not hibernating so much. Despite hitting the local market at 3AM and eating two stellar ice creams in a row, since i hadn’t learned to turn my inroom fridge/freezer on yet, I couldn’t just let them melt. And buying 25 bucks worth of KFC today (they got corn on the cob at this one).
Better take it easy tomorrow, get a little sun, be ready for Friday when an amazing person drives me around the island (don’t want to disturb the ju-ju, saying the name until we’ve done the deed).
If you’re reading this from California, chances are I’m actualy in your tomorrow, since Saipan is plus 17 hours from PST. I also noticed that I’m about 1500 miles south of Japan and Taiwan is due west… I had that wrong before. Ok who cares, but, orientation is a thing, doing this…
I felt like talking to a new friend here and felt a little lonely for the first time in a long time. On the mainland, I started distancing from everyone for years, and for a variety of reasons. Here is my chance to do the opposite, and I’m in no big rush. In fact slowing down to island time. I always say “the more you know, the less you know, so I’m getting younger all the time”.
Speaking of friends, lots of wind or otherwise untethered dogs around, boonies I think they can them, but don’t quote me on any of this stuff, just because I’m older than the hills doesn’t mean I know my ass from a hole in the ground here. The dogs are so cool, they seem middle sized, and the closest one I got to seemed humble/calm and wise, holding his own but not aggressive. Perhaps after a long while I’ll be able to responsibly adopt one or more.
Before I had that bit if loneliness, which is rare for me, I was getting ready to take on the day, and my mind was like “Bru, this planning stuff gets old”. And there is a routine which is a fundamental of staying on track, for me, since toward the end of the West Hollywood era, which struck a chord like this today: well It’s a long story, but, I was really grateful and got all crocodile teared, and sort of realigned. Then I looked up and there was this painting… (close scene with the painting in my room).
After I ran around today and said hello to people and digs and cats and babies, even got my favorite of the father grabbing the babies arm and waving it at me saying hello, then I powered down and took some pressure off tomorrow by asking AI about the local beach area and getting in the water asap.
Here’s the response, followed by my notes in the morning (on the back of my backup boarding info) pic and the prayer painting.
Getting your phone and essentials sorted out on day one is a huge milestone—traveling out to Saipan is no joke, and that jet lag is very real! Taking a dedicated rest day tomorrow is a smart move before you dive into a guided tour.If you do find the energy for an ocean swim, Micro Beach is the perfect, low-effort spot for a lazy afternoon swim.Why Micro Beach is Great for a Low-Energy DayCalm Reef Water: Saipan is surrounded by a natural barrier reef. This blocks the big ocean waves, leaving Micro Beach with shallow, pool-like crystal water that requires zero energy to swim or float in.Shade Trees: There are plenty of palm trees right up to the sand. You can easily find a shady patch to sit down, zone out, and listen to the water without baking in the direct sun.Easy Access: Because it sits directly behind the manicured gardens of the neighboring resorts, you can easily walk onto the sand, take a quick dip, and head right back to your air-conditioned room if you get tired.A Few Relaxed Tips for TomorrowPack Light: Since petty theft is the only real nuisance here, just bring your room key, a towel, and your newly set up phone. You can keep your phone safely in a cheap waterproof pouch around your neck while you float.Check the Local Vibe: Depending on how you feel later, the weekly Garapan Street Market pops up nearby along Beach Road every Thursday evening. It is full of incredibly cheap local food stalls. If you want a zero-effort dinner right down the street, it is a great place to wander through for a few minutes.Sleep in, blast the AC, and see how you feel when you wake up. If you need any quick local food recommendations right outside your hotel door so you don’t have to wander far for lunch, just let me know!
