Guam, Again

[inventor]

That's were I plan to retire, diving, alledged seasons, no real snow, wrecks galore, driving distance to home, Florida, and all family.

[Flatliner]

If you decide to do it, can my son and I come visit?

[Zeagle Eagle]

Originally Posted by scubastud

Ok I am coming home tomorrow horray!
I got one stinkin shore dive in the whole two weeks I have been here boo!

OK here it is... I was offered a job here permanent, a great firm, fantastic people and , well I am surrounded by glorious dive spots, all a short trip away.

Family, friends, so far from mainland, wife, 15 year old kid... I have a decision to make. Inputs welcome.

The public school system on Guam sucks and the private schools are not much better. Most of the smart people home school; but, it's is very difficult. Your 15 year old son will suffer. He is a haole and will be picked on and discriminated against. The island is rife with drugs especially "ice".
If it aint' bolted to the floor your stuff will be stolen. Magellan didn't name Guam "The island of thieves" for nothing. The political system is totally corrupt and very frustrating to deal with.
The power goes out several times a week and fresh vegetables are very hard to find. If you have access to the military base you can shop in the commissary and get your supplies; but, if you don't then you are screwed. Fresh milk is nearly impossible to get. They sell reconstituted milk in the groceries stores.
All that being said I love the island of Guam and especially the people. I would go back in a heart beat but never with my kids.
As far as the brown tree snakes. I only saw two in the four years I was there. It's not the major problem that some make it out to be.
As far as the diving. The reefs are trashed and the diving is mediocre. Cozumel reefs are way better than most of the Guam reefs; but, you are close to some of the finest diving on the planet; ie, Palau, Yap, Truk, Saipan and so on.

Go to Guam absolutely; but, not with kids. You will regret it for the rest of your life.

Flamers- bring it on!

[neugierig]

take the family with you, if you can. growing up abroad can be an enriching experience.

if not, i would be 50-50. toss a coin maybe? haha

[Zeagle Eagle]

Originally Posted by inventor

That's were I plan to retire, diving, alledged seasons, no real snow, wrecks galore, driving distance to home, Florida, and all family.

You are not talking about Guam are you?

[inventor]

Originally Posted by Zeagle Eagle

You are not talking about Guam are you?

Nope. Title of that post was South Carolina. Thought that was one of the options he was considering. Has always been my favorite choice for retirement. Had a boss from Guam, and a boss, friends and co-workers that had spent time there. Not knocking it, just not on my bucket list.

[scubastud]

It's good to be home.

[Zeagle Eagle]

Originally Posted by Zeagle Eagle

You are not talking about Guam are you?

Yeah, I guess the drive to Florida part was my first clue.

[inventor]

Originally Posted by Zeagle Eagle

Yeah, I guess the drive to Florida part was my first clue.

Same driving distance, understandable mistake.

[FishFood]

if not, i would be 50-50. toss a coin maybe? haha

I fail to see the humor in either leaving your family by choice or doing it over a coin toss...