Covid Xmas on a tropical island

in TravelFeed3 years ago (edited)

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Electric Winter Wonderland, Guam USA 2021
Electric Winter Wonderland, Guam USA 2021

So what's Christmas like on a tropical island? Well, the ambiance is not the same obviously, without snow or even a nip in the air. Add on this Covid-19 pandemic, with "lock downs" and the subsequent "supply chain logistical issue" It doesn't feel "Christmassy" at all. Granted Guam is a small island with  roughly 180 thousand inhabitants, compared to Singapore, (where I came here from) an island almost exactly the same size but with 6 million inhabitants. The buzz just ain't the same, haha. I miss my Canadian X-Mas's!!!

BUT WAIT ! This year, we have an "Electric Winter Wonderland" on Guam. Is it anything to behold? Personally, I don't think so. I'm more excited about the people actually having something other than Covid on their minds and the many restrictions being lifted and or eased. Maybe I'm just jaded. Here's some pics, you decide, haha.

Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021
Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021

Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021
Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021

Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021
Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021

Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021
Electric Winter Wonderland, Hagatna, Guam USA 2021

In addition to the lighting (1/2 of which would turn off every now and then) there's also a carabao ride. Which is like a 2 minute ride (in a circle) on a carabao and the fee per ride is by donation. If you don't know what a carabao is, it's an asian water buffalo, here's a photo:

Carabao ride. Not sure why picture taking is frowned upon tho.
Carabao ride. Not sure why picture taking is frowned upon tho.

Is that it for the "wonderland"? Not quite. Not sure if it's actually part of the "wonderland" or not, but down the street, about a block away, there was a street market! I actually found it more interesting. Lots of local art and crafts stalls, food trucks etc etc. 

Street market, YAY ! ! ! Don’t mind the date/time the sign is a recycled one, haha.
Street market, YAY ! ! ! Don't mind the date/time the sign is a recycled one, haha.

Saw Santa!!! Chillin’ between trucks...
Saw Santa!!! Chillin' between trucks...

We got here around 6pm and parked a few blocks away because we didn't want to get caught in there with all the cars and people in that area. We left a couple hours later without going to check out all the stalls, too crowded for our liking. There was no entrance fees and the food truck's pricing are fair, as in not tourist attraction priced.

All in all, this was an enjoyable way to spend an evening with the family, especially for the young ones who seem to really enjoy the lights. The cooler night air and the slow stroll is really relaxing. 

Thanks for viewing and best wishes!

All the photos (unless otherwise noted in the post) were taken by me and are available for sale. If you're interested in buying an image or three, 😃 please don't hesitate to contact me for more details.

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