Three Hours and a World Away

Yesterday Patrick commented on the "Mount Fuji of Laundry" that awaits my attention. White sand trickles from pockets, shoes, and swimsuit seams leaving a gritty mess wherever it falls. There are snorkels and masks and fins and swim shirts and goggles taking up valuable real estate in our small apartment. So many extra chores this week, and I am loving all of them...each a reminder of a relaxing, refreshing, and enlightening trip to Saipan. Who knew we could trade our Tokyo winter for white beaches and blue waters in just over three hours?

All aboard the Narita Express!
It was a chilly wait for this welcome sight
in the sleepy darkness of early morning.

Off to the airport!

Not a second was wasted from
hotel check-in to this lovely scene.

Not a bad way to start the day...:-)

Playing in the sand just doesn't get old.
Loved it!

Off the beaten path and down a jungle road lies a wonderful
little spot by the name of Wing Beach.  Chris compared
his snorkeling experience there to 'swimming in a pet store'.
Such a huge variety of beautiful fish and creatures!  He and Patrick made a great snorkeling team - what a darling sight to see the two of them floating in the water...heads down, hands held, and lazily adrift in the gentle surf.

What the tide brought in

Sand, sea, and sky -- and two little urchins.
Now what's not to love?

Suicide Cliff

For such a small island, Saipan has
known a tremendous share of heartache.

The sad echo of war resonates in a 

variety of places across the island... 

Chris and Patrick swam out to get a better look at

this tank resting in the waters off one of the beaches.

Lazy days of sun and sand. I could get used to this!
(Photo by Patrick. The camera weighs as much as he does!)

Saying goodbye on our last night.
I can still feel the warmth of the evening air.

This is a great game until you realize you're wearing
those same shoes on the flight home tomorrow.

Goodnight, Saipan.