Sara B. Christensen: January 2008

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Incheon International Airport

I had a nice dinner to start off my vacation at Bennigans in the airport. This was one of my waitress's she was so cute! Saipan here I come!

Summer Holiday Hotel

My first morning looking off my balcony at the entrance to the hotel. A lovely, locally owned hotel. I would stay here again if I came back. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

The view from my balcony....

This is what I was looking at every morning when I was talking to those of you I called while I was on the island.

My first morning....

Who can sleep in when you are in Saipan! I was ready to go and explore this island. Get UP! :)

This is the first stop I made in Saipan beside my hotel. I fried myself here the first day, I like to call it a good base to start my tan with! Youch!!! But you have to admit it is beautiful! The beach that is....

My first adventure spot...

It was beautiful up here. Many war memorials and statues around this area.

Me at Banzai Cliff

A nice Korean woman took my picture. I stood on the other side of the overlook but she said this spot is better, I agree. It's amazing what you can communicate when you don't speak the same language. Katie, it's not so bad don't be scared. :)

Banzai Cliff

The water crashing in looks so powerful. A man pointed out a sea turtle to me in the water here. It looked small from far away but I like to think it was a really big one!

A beautiful sanctuary.

You'll see what this is all about in the next picture. But it is important to see the name of the place so you'll believe me!

Being a dork!

This is a shot at Bird Island Sanctuary. That is it in the water behind me. These 2 Japanese guys took my picture, they were hilarious. After they took my picture I had to pose with them and their other friend took a picture with his cell phone camera. I'm pretty sure I'm famous now!

Bobby Cadillac's

I went here for dinner my first night on the island and had the best pizza. This is Nita she works here in the mornings and was waiting for her family to come and pick her up. She was so sweet and kind!

Lunch time..

Not the best picture but hey it's all about the scenery. I went to Olea's Bar and Grill for lunch twice while I was in Saipan.

Killo Beach

I spent some time walking up and down this beach and thought I'd leave my mark on it.

History Lesson

I learned so much from going in here. I wasn't aware of all the war that went on in Saipan. It was a big part of WWII, I'm glad I went.

The American War Memorial

The memorial in the park. It was nice to see the American flag once again.

A non beachy shot.

Just a shot I like...this was another good day in Garapan, Saipan.

I think I am getting good at this.

When you travel alone the only proof you have is to take pictures of yourself! It works. This is my favorite shot of ME! :)

Makin' friends

I was reading a book in American Memorial Park, getting out of the sun a little and met this wonderful new friend. We sat and talked for 1 1/2 hours. I learned so much...I can't even explain here. Waldon Bari, I am a better person for meeting you! I wish you all the best in life!

Enjoying the music...

I went to dinner at Hard Rock Cafe one evening and this gentlemen started entertaining. He asked me what to play and I had a few requests since you know how much I love music! The people on the island are so friendly.

Suicide Cliff

This is just one of many areas on Suicide Cliff as they call it. If you could see the cliff edge you'd understand...it's crazy high. This area got its name from when many, many Japanese jumped off when the Americans secured the island during WWII. Not only soldiers but mothers would throw their children off and then jump themselves. If you want to know more...just ask.

Off Roadin'

So, to get to a lot of the cool beaches and places in Saipan you must drive on roads like these. I was surprised that I didn't run into many people/cars on these roads. It's like I had the whole place to myself! I would go back in a heartbeat.

Grotto

Another beautiful spot in Saipan. A very popular place to go scuba diving. I sat out on their overlook..just looking into the area they call Grotto.

What's down there???

Looking down into the Grotto. It is a very popular place to go scuba diving. I am too scared to go scuba diving...but it sure looked cool!

My little piece of Heaven!

I have fallen in love...Wing Beach! I didn't see any turtles but it really didn't matter. I never knew how lucky I'd be.....

Looking to my right....

Yes, you guessed it, Wing Beach! This is what I saw when I looked right! Can you tell I love this beach?

Most of my time....

This is where I spent most of my time...at Wing Beach. A lot of relaxing and reading went on here. I wish I would have recorded more of the sounds here. It is like something you would buy on a CD. Soooooo peaceful!

Me and Wing Beach!

So, I had to take a shot of me at my favorite beach. I actually was standing on one of the rocks and this Japanese man came over and gave me 2 presents all wrapped up. I didn't know what to say....but how kind!

Wing Beach at the end of the day.

This was the sun getting ready to go down. I guess it's probably time for me to go as well.

Someday....

So, if I ever get married this is the sign you need to find. It is to my favorite beach in the World! When and if that day comes I want to be married on this beach!

Old Japanese Jail

Where they kept the Japanese when they were bad, I guess!

Creepy....

This is what is left of the hallway in the Japanese Jail. I didn't walk all the way done it because it was creepy!

My balcony

This is where I sat every morning and evening listening to music and playing solitare. Also, just enjoying the outdoors when I wasn't in the sun!

Tank Beach

I drove to the other side of the island and found this beach. A high school is located near here, this is a similar view to what the see out of their school. Amazing!

Cow Crossing

So, I was wondering why the guy ahead of me was slowing down. Now I see why...there was a cow walking across the road. You have to admit he is pretty close to the crosswalk.