Dededo: The Heart of Guam's Northern Wonders

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [HAH-fah AH-die]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [AH-dee-ose]
• YesHågu
  [HAH-goo]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomePorfabor
  [POOR-fah-bore]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [SEE YOO-oss MA-ah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [DEES-pen-sah]
• How are you?Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh es-TAHS?]
• Fine. And you?Åguai. Ya hu?
  [AH-gwai. YAH hoo?]
• Do you speak English?Ti hu na'ångge i inglés?
  [TEE hoo nah-AHNG-ge ee ing-LES?]
• I don't understandTi hu entiende
  [TEE hoo en-tee-EN-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusta kumuentos i menyu, porfabor
  [GOO-stah koo-MWEHN-tos ee MEN-you, POOR-fah-bore]
• I don't eat meatTi kumuentos karni
  [TEE koo-MWEHN-tos KAR-nee]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusta pago, porfabor
  [GOO-stah PAH-goh, POOR-fah-bore]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Ai despues!
  [eye dehs-PWEHS]
• Call the Police!Llamå i Polisia!
  [yah-MAH ee poh-LEES-ee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Llamå i dotå!
  [yah-MAH ee doh-TAH]
• I'm lostNa'ån tåsi
  [nah-AHN TAH-see]
• I'm illNa'ån maulang
  [nah-AHN mah-OOL-ahng]

• I'd like to buy...Gusta kumpra...
  [GOO-stah koom-PRAH...]
• I'm just lookingYa anaihu
  [YAH ah-nah-EE-hoo]
• How much is it?Kuanto esta?
  [KWAN-to ESS-tah?]
• That's too expensiveEsto kareste
  [ESS-toh kah-RESS-teh]
• Can you lower the price?Mampara kumuentos presiu?
  [MAHM-pah-rah koo-MWEHN-tos PREH-see-oo?]

• What time is it?Kåntos na ora?
  [KAHN-tos nah OR-ah]
• It's one o'clockMasuno na ora
  [mah-SOO-no nah OR-ah]
• Half past (10)Mås lao (10)
  [mahs LAH-oh (10)]
• MorningMañanita
  [mah-nyah-NEE-tah]
• AfternoonKåntos na ora?
  [KAHN-tos nah OR-ah]
• EveningSerenata
  [seh-reh-NAH-tah]
• YesterdayGåsto
  [GAH-stoh]
• TodayTåno'
  [TAH-nyow]
• TomorrowMånnge'
  [MAHN-nyeh]
• 1Uno
  [OO-no]
• 2Dos
  [DOHS]
• 3Tres
  [TREHS]
• 4Kuåtro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Sinko
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Såis
  [SAH-ees]
• 7Siette
  [see-ET-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nuebe
  [NWEH-beh]
• 10Dies
  [DEE-ess]

• Where's a/the...?Kåntos i...
  [KAHN-tos ee...]
• What's the address?Kåntos i direksion?
  [KAHN-tos ee dee-rehk-see-ohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mampara yo (sångan na mapa)?
  [MAHM-pah-rah yoh (SAH-ngahn nah MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kåntos na ora i na sigiente (bus)?
  [KAHN-tos nah OR-ah ee nah see-GYEN-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiket (para...)
  [oon tee-KEHT (PAH-rah...)]

Before the arrival of European colonizers, Dededo was inhabited by the indigenous Chamorro people. They lived in small villages and were known for their advanced maritime skills, complex social structures, and unique latte stone pillars, which served as foundations for their homes and significant structures.

In the 17th century, Dededo fell under Spanish rule as part of Guam's colonization. The Spanish influence introduced Christianity, leading to the construction of churches and the spread of Spanish culture and language. The Chamorro people's way of life was significantly altered during this period.

Dededo, like the rest of Guam, was significantly affected by World War II. In December 1941, Japanese forces occupied Guam, including Dededo. The occupation lasted until 1944, during which time the local population faced hardships and were forced into labor. The liberation of Guam in July 1944 by American forces marked a pivotal moment in Dededo's history.

After World War II, Dededo underwent extensive reconstruction and development under American administration. The region saw improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The establishment of military bases also brought economic opportunities and American cultural influences.

In recent decades, Dededo has experienced significant growth, becoming one of the most populous villages in Guam. Despite modern developments, efforts have been made to preserve Chamorro culture and heritage. Local festivals, traditional crafts, and cultural programs play a crucial role in maintaining the village's rich history and identity.

Dededo has evolved into a bustling urban center with a diverse economy. The construction of shopping centers, residential areas, and recreational facilities has transformed the village into a major commercial hub. This growth has attracted a multicultural population, further enriching Dededo's cultural landscape.

Dededo is located on the island of Guam, which is a U.S. territory in the Western Pacific. The primary entry point is Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) in Tamuning, approximately 15 kilometers south of Dededo. Direct flights to Guam are available from several major cities in Asia and the United States. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rental car, or use hotel shuttle services to reach Dededo.

In Dededo, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and limited public bus services. Taxis are convenient but can be expensive. Rental cars are a popular option for tourists who wish to explore the island at their own pace. The Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) operates public buses, but routes and schedules are limited, so it is advisable to check the latest timetables. For short distances within Dededo, walking is also a viable option.

The official currency in Guam is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Dededo, and you can withdraw cash using international debit or credit cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets, which may not accept cards.

Dededo is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists are rare, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Dededo. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using public transportation. Public buses may not be as punctual as in some other places. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'Håfa Adai,' which means 'Hello' in Chamorro, the local language. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new culinary experiences. Don’t refuse an offer to share a meal, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dededo like a local, visit the Dededo Flea Market on weekends, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food. Engage with the locals—they are often friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions. Don't miss out on trying Chamorro BBQ and other traditional dishes. Additionally, exploring Ritidian Point offers beautiful beaches and historical sites significant to the indigenous Chamorro culture.