The Enchanting Fonte Plateau: Guam's Hidden Gem

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [HA-fa a-DAY]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DYOS]
• YesHao
  [HA-oh]
• NoTi
  [TEE]
• Please/You're welcomeFanatåsi/Na'sai
  [fa-NA-ta-see/na-SAI]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [see yoo-OSS ma-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-PEHN-sah]
• How are you?Ñålang yu'?
  [nyah-lang yoo]
• Fine. And you?Ma'åse. Yu'us yan iyo?
  [ma-AH-seh. yoo-OOS yan EE-yoh]
• Do you speak English?Ha na'ån-hu i inågles?
  [ha NYAN-hoo ee ee-NAH-glehs]
• I don't understandTi hu fa'åsen
  [TEE hoo fah-AH-sehn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHa na'ån-hu i menu, un tungo' hu
  [ha NYAN-hoo ee MEH-noo, oon TUNG-go hoo]
• I don't eat meatTi kumuentusi karni
  [TEE koo-men-TOO-see KAR-nee]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHa na'ån-hu i pago, un tungo' hu
  [ha NYAN-hoo ee PAH-go, oon TUNG-go hoo]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Lågu!
  [LAH-goo]
• Call the Police!Tågu i polisia!
  [TAH-goo ee poh-LEE-see-yah]
• Call a doctor!Tågu i duktur!
  [TAH-goo ee dook-TOOR]
• I'm lostKao hu guaguai
  [KOW hoo GWAH-gwai]
• I'm illKao hu håna
  [KOW hoo HAH-nah]

• I'd like to buy...Ha na'ån-hu i mampopble...
  [ha NYAN-hoo ee mahm-poh-PUH-leh]
• I'm just lookingÅngok-hu ti manmatai
  [AHNG-ohk-hoo tee mahn-mah-TAI]
• How much is it?Hu prisisu?
  [hoo pree-SEE-soo]
• That's too expensiveMå'pos este
  [mah-POS eh-STEH]
• Can you lower the price?Må'pos hao este?
  [mah-POS how eh-STEH]

• What time is it?Kuenti tiempo esta?
  [KWEHN-tee tee-YEM-po EHS-tah]
• It's one o'clockEsta i unu
  [EHS-tah ee OO-noo]
• Half past (10)Må'pos na (10)
  [mah-POS nah (DEE-ehs)]
• MorningGof ma'åse
  [gof ma-AH-seh]
• AfternoonAgaña
  [ah-GAH-nyah]
• EveningAgaña
  [ah-GAH-nyah]
• YesterdayKåhuguan
  [KAH-hoo-gwahn]
• TodayKåhuguan
  [KAH-hoo-gwahn]
• TomorrowManaña
  [mah-NYAH-nyah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-no]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Kuåtro
  [KWAT-roh]
• 5Singu
  [SING-goo]
• 6Sais
  [sah-EESS]
• 7Siete
  [see-EH-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nuebe
  [NWEH-beh]
• 10Dies
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Ånna i...
  [AHN-nah ee]
• What's the address?Kuenti i direksion?
  [KWEHN-tee ee dee-rek-SYON]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Må'pos hao i un tungo' hu (gi i mapa)?
  [mah-POS how oon TUNG-go hoo (gee ee MAH-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?På'go (bus)?
  [PAA-go]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiyenda (para ....)
  [oon tee-YEN-dah (PAH-rah)]

Fonte Plateau, nestled in the heart of Guam, holds significant historical importance as a site inhabited by the ancient Chamorro people. These indigenous inhabitants thrived on the island for over 4,000 years before European contact. The plateau's strategic location provided a vantage point for monitoring surrounding areas, and archaeological evidence suggests it was a hub for social and cultural activities. The Chamorros' advanced seafaring skills and unique latte stone structures, which served as foundations for their homes, are key highlights of their rich history.

In 1668, Spanish colonization began under the leadership of Father San Vitores, marking a significant shift in the history of Fonte Plateau. The Spanish influence brought about the introduction of Christianity, new agricultural practices, and European architecture. The plateau served as a critical location for Spanish garrisons and missionaries, who utilized its elevated position for defense and communication. This period also saw the establishment of churches and schools, significantly altering the cultural landscape of the region.

During World War II, Fonte Plateau played a crucial role in the Japanese occupation of Guam, which lasted from 1941 to 1944. The Japanese military recognized the strategic importance of the plateau and established fortifications and lookout points to monitor American forces. The occupation period was marked by significant hardship for the local population, who endured forced labor and cultural suppression. The remnants of Japanese bunkers and tunnels scattered across the plateau serve as somber reminders of this tumultuous time in Guam's history.

The liberation of Guam by American forces in July 1944 was a turning point in the island's history. Fonte Plateau became a focal point during Operation Forager, the campaign to recapture the island. After intense fighting, the plateau was secured, and it later served as a base for American operations in the Pacific. Post-liberation, the U.S. military established a significant presence on the island, and the plateau became a site for military installations and infrastructure development. This period also marked the beginning of major reconstruction efforts and the eventual transition of Guam into an unincorporated territory of the United States.

Today, Fonte Plateau stands as a testament to the rich and diverse history of Guam. It is a popular site for both locals and tourists who wish to explore the island's cultural heritage. The plateau offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal location for hiking and sightseeing. Efforts have been made to preserve the historical artifacts and structures found on the plateau, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the island's storied past. The site continues to be a symbol of resilience and cultural pride for the people of Guam.

Fonte Plateau is located in the central part of Guam, easily accessible from Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport in Tamuning, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services provided by some hotels to reach Fonte Plateau. The drive typically takes around 30 minutes. Public buses are another option, with routes that connect major areas of Guam to Fonte Plateau.

Once at Fonte Plateau, getting around is relatively straightforward. Renting a car is a popular option for tourists to explore the area at their own pace. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your accommodation. Public buses are a cost-effective way to travel around, though they may not be as frequent. For a more eco-friendly option, consider renting a bicycle to explore the plateau's scenic views and natural beauty.

The official currency in Guam is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Fonte Plateau. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, but it is a good idea to have sufficient cash on hand for convenience.

Fonte Plateau is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical facilities are available in the nearby city of Hagåtña. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Make sure to carry essential contact numbers, including your country's embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for the tropical climate, but modestly, especially when visiting cultural sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and follow any specific guidelines. Public Transport: Do be respectful of fellow passengers and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Håfa Adai' (Hello). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Chamorro cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Fonte Plateau like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Chamorro goods. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and happy to share stories about their history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Fonte River and the historic Fonte Dam. For a unique experience, take a guided hike through the diverse flora and fauna of the plateau. If you can, attend a local festival or cultural event to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.