Getting the Basics: Kmart

Oh how often I found myself here. 

 It's pretty much the only place to get day to day necessity housewares aside from either one of the military bases. I found that the prices aren't too high, but maybe not as low as in the states. 

There is a Home depot not too far away if you're into price comparison on certain goods but I don't remember there being many deals in that department.  I think the sheer fact that all this stuff is shipped over from far and wide pretty much obliterates room for competitive pricing. 

 If you're looking for appliances, holiday decor, day to day stuff, it's good.

They drop off busloads of Japanese tourists to shop so between that and the locals, it's almost always packed. The selection isn't outstanding but seriously, when you're on an island far far away, you make due. If you're moving here, come prepared with what you need and you'll be able to fill in the gaps here and the bases. 

What stands out in my memory are the Christmas decorations and the large selection of manufactured touristy "Guam" items to send home.  I recommend getting the latter at Chamorro Village on Wednesday's or one of the furniture places I mentioned.  

Kmart
404 N Marine Dr.
Guam, GU 96911
(671) 649-9878

To Furnish or Not to Furnish

One thing that has been a constant reminder of Guam is all of our furniture. In my experience, once you start, ya can't stop.
There are 2  popular stores ( maybe more since I've left) that sell indonesian teak furniture and wares:
Monikas and Tropical living .
For many, including myself, these stores become a weekly obsession. They get fairly regular shipments and stock moves quickly.   Having had 3 rooms to furnish and lots of time on my hands, perusing the newest selection of benches, chairs, cushions, curtains, knik knacks and fabrics dented the wallet but made for, in my opinion, a very tropical themed home which suited our surroundings.  While we never custom ordered furniture, a lot of our friends did. Sometimes this resulted in very very cool pieces and other times long waits and mix ups. I don't know if these stores still do that but if you are curious or interested in having a couch or tiki bar custom made this is where to do it.
I bought most of my Ikats, curtains, cushions, wooden bowls and chairs at Monikas.  They have a great selection of house wares that also make fantastic gifts to send home. Many times I've also seen local artist display their things there. I almost always left with either a piece of furniture or wares of some kind.

Tropical living is where we bought most of our furniture. They carry everything from bookshelves to dining tables, benches, you name it. They also have a great selection of beautiful housewares, like hand carved statues of Buddah or Shiva as well as many many other decorative pieces. Their selection might be larger but is bought differently than the other so you never really see an overlap of goods. It's another place to buy great little gifts to send back.

The only thing I will say about this furniture obsession is that when you move away be aware that these items will be coming with you. In places like, say, DC or Bruges this tropical indoor environment tends to clash a wee bit with its new surroundings.

You learn that a giant hollowed out tree stump is very cool looking but gives more bruises bumping into than purpose in a living space as you move along. But you will also have furniture that is pretty and different for not much more, and often much less than you'd pay at a pottery barn or such store. 

If you are coming to Guam with little furniture and want to add to your home, I highly recommend going coming here for furniture.  If you are visiting, absolutely hit these places up for unique gifts for loved ones and yourself. It's way better than the Kmart box of "Guam" chocolates or a mug. 

Monikas Furniture 

Call for New location

 (671) 649-4401

http://www.monikasfurniture.com/

Tropical Living Home

 (671)472-4663

A little Island in the pacific.

I decided to join my then boyfriend and now husband in Guam before I even knew where it was on the map.  For those who may be unsure, it's here:

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I left my life in LA to begin a journey that would eventually take me around the world and gain me a husband. It's been almost 2 years since we left this little US territory, just enough time to look back at the highs and lows of our experience and share them. 

When I first arrived on the island I was struck first by the humidity, something I had not felt since NY, but also the beauty, the crystal blue water and the sheer far awayness of it all. It's so completely different from the hustle and bustle I was used to and I embraced that, for the most part. We lived off base and not being a spouse yet, was not able to access the USM bases. I did most of my shopping out in town so everything I did was as a local for the first few months I was there. My experience on the Island involved a lot of reading, diving, swimming, tanning, shopping for furniture, falling in love with my husband and eating.

If you're checking Guam out as a tourist from the US with no family/friends/military obligations there... Really??? Cool. Most of what I will blog about will have no baring on access to military bases except perhaps some of the beaches. 

 For those of you stumbling across this blog because you are getting ready to move on orders to Guam, I hope this can be helpful in some ways. 

Unlike Hawaii, it's reeeeally far out there. And sometimes you feel it.  Having your friends and family come visit you on Guam is not exactly easy or cheap.   Flights from the west coast are about 13-16 hours depending on which way you go and run about $1300-$2,000 from the US, depending on time of year. Those who are able to come visit you should be spoiled rotten upon arrival.   Missing family and friends was a constant for us while we were on Guam. Finding things you like to do with your family or significant other is key. Keeping busy is the name of the game and it's not too hard once you find the things you like.

The bright side of being so far away is that you can get to places that would otherwise be difficult and costly from the US.  Palau, Chute,  Phillipines, Japan,  Austraila and Fiji are just a few of the many places to visit. 

There are only 2 airlines operating out of Guam, NWA and Continental. You are at the whim of their pricing, there is no other competition, but they run specials often .  The Continental office has different packages and tour info printed up in the lobby. We took advantage of one of their trips to Fiji and it was divine. 

I highly recommend keeping up with latest travel deals and if you don't have one already, open a Continental frequent flyer miles account!

Without further adieu Here's just a few little things I enjoyed about living on the island.

Enjoy!