Aaron and I went to Saipan for a long weekend. The flight is only forty-five minutes. We were in the Guam Airport twice as long as we were in the air. Bruce and Cherry, formerly of the Guam Central Congregation (a.k.a our congregation), picked us up. They serve as Special Pioneers (much like missionaries) and stay at the missionary home with another couple right next to the Kingdom Hall. Their home has a bright and cheery guest room and bath. They were most hospitable!
After we settled in, they took us on a little tour. We visited the ruins of a Japanese jail. The island has a long history of Japanese control. Click hear for more info.
If not kept at bay the jungle would surely reclaim these ruins.
Rusty-Capped Kingfisher | Golden White Eye
Bunker at The Last Command Post
During the Pacific Campaign of World War II, 1,000 Japanese civilians committed suicide in the last days of the Battle of Saipan, some jumping from Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff (below).
Monuments stand at the cliff's edge in memorial of those who died.
Very interesting history and some neat sites. Thanks for sharing. Saipan looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing was it to see birds!? I STILL get all excited about birds here, even though I wasn't deprived of them for even a whole year.
ReplyDeleteGet any diving in?