Hagåtña: The Heartbeat of Guam

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [HAH-fah ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DYOS]
• YesHåʻå
  [HAH-ah]
• NoTi ya
  [TEE yah]
• Please/You're welcomeFanatåsi/Na'ån-hu
  [FAH-nah-TAH-see/NAH-ahn-hoo]
• Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'åse
  [SEE yoo-OSS mah-AH-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryUmatras yu' / Kalu'ås
  [oo-MAH-trahs yoo/KAH-loo-AHS]
• How are you?Håfa tatatmanu hao?
  [HAH-fah tah-TAHT-mah-noo how]
• Fine. And you?Maolek. Hao?
  [mah-OH-lek how]
• Do you speak English?Kao un tungo' Ingles?
  [kah-oh oon TOONG-oh IN-glehs]
• I don't understandTi hu tungo'
  [TEE hoo TOONG-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLokkue yuʻ fanmenu, fa'ånnai
  [LOHK-kweh yoo fahn-MEH-noo, fah-AHN-nai]
• I don't eat meatTi hu kumuentus
  [TEE hoo koo-MWEHN-toos]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFanpåga yuʻ, fa'ånnai
  [fahn-PAH-gah yoo, fah-AHN-nai]

• Help!Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
• Go away!Ayek agupa!
  [ah-YEHK ah-GOO-pah]
• Call the Police!Gumåtao i Polisi!
  [goo-MAH-tow ee poh-LEE-see]
• Call a doctor!Gumåtao i manmediku!
  [goo-MAH-tow ee mahn-meh-DEE-koo]
• I'm lostTi hu gagaiguai
  [TEE hoo gah-GAH-ee-gwai]
• I'm illMakaloffo yu'
  [mah-kah-LOHF-foh yoo]

• I'd like to buy...Lokkue yuʻ maimai...
  [LOHK-kweh yoo mah-ee-mah-ee]
• I'm just lookingKåo hao hokkue
  [KAH-oh how hohk-kweh]
• How much is it?Afok yan iyon?
  [ah-FOHK yahn ee-YOHN]
• That's too expensiveMånnge ti mahalang
  [MAHNG-geh tee mah-HAH-lahng]
• Can you lower the price?Mågof siha humahan iyon?
  [MAH-gohf see-hah hoo-MAH-hahn ee-YOHN]

• What time is it?Fino' klokta iyon?
  [fee-NOH klohk-tah ee-YOHN]
• It's one o'clockPara uno
  [PAH-rah OO-noh]
• Half past (10)Maktol (10)
  [mahk-TOHL (10)]
• MorningManana
  [mah-NAH-nah]
• AfternoonMamaita'i
  [mah-MY-tah-ee]
• EveningMalampe
  [mah-LAHM-peh]
• YesterdayKåhu
  [KAAH-hoo]
• TodayGof ma'ase
  [gohf mah-AH-seh]
• TomorrowMåsagi
  [MAH-sah-gee]
• 1Manglo
  [MAHNG-loh]
• 2Månot
  [MAH-noht]
• 3Måtres
  [MAH-trehs]
• 4Måpat
  [MAH-paht]
• 5Måsingko
  [mah-SEENG-koh]
• 6Måsaisi
  [mah-SAH-ee-see]
• 7Måfiti
  [mah-FEE-tee]
• 8Måguålu
  [mah-GWAH-loo]
• 9Måsiva
  [mah-SEE-vah]
• 10Målasa
  [mah-LAH-sah]

• Where's a/the...?Tåya i...
  [TAH-yah ee]
• What's the address?Fino' i direksion?
  [fee-NOH ee dee-rek-see-ohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mågof siha humuyong gi mapan?
  [MAH-gohf see-hah hoo-MOO-yohng gee mah-PAHN]
• When's the next (bus)?Fino' i manmananåla?
  [fee-NOH ee mahn-mahn-ah-NAH-lah]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilite (para ...)
  [oon bee-LEE-teh PAH-rah]

Before Spanish colonization, Hagåtña was inhabited by the Chamorro people, the indigenous population of Guam. The Chamorros had a sophisticated society with complex social structures and advanced seafaring skills. They lived in communal houses and built impressive latte stone pillars, which served as foundations for their homes and are emblematic of Chamorro culture.

In 1668, Spanish missionaries arrived in Hagåtña, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. Father San Vitores established the first Catholic mission in the city, which led to the widespread conversion of the Chamorro people to Christianity. During this period, Hagåtña became the administrative and ecclesiastical center of the Mariana Islands under Spanish rule.

In 1898, the Spanish-American War brought significant changes to Hagåtña. After the war, Spain ceded Guam to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. This marked the end of over 230 years of Spanish rule and the beginning of American administration in Guam. Hagåtña retained its status as the island's capital under the new governance.

During World War II, Hagåtña experienced significant turmoil. In 1941, Japanese forces invaded Guam, leading to a three-year occupation. The city suffered extensive damage due to the conflict. In 1944, the Battle of Guam saw American forces liberate the island, and Hagåtña was subsequently rebuilt. This period left a lasting impact on the city's landscape and its residents.

After World War II, Hagåtña underwent extensive reconstruction. The city saw significant developments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As Guam became a strategic military location for the United States, Hagåtña grew in importance. Today, the city's rich history is reflected in its diverse architecture, cultural festivals, and historical landmarks, making it a vibrant hub of Chamorro heritage and American influence.

Hagåtña, the capital of Guam, is accessible by air through the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM), located in Tamuning, just a short drive from Hagåtña. Major airlines such as United Airlines and Japan Airlines offer regular flights to Guam from various international destinations, including Tokyo, Manila, and Honolulu. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Hagåtña.

Hagåtña is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer trips, taxis and rental cars are popular options. Public transportation is available through the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) buses, though they may not be as frequent or timely as in larger cities. Riding a bicycle is also a great way to explore the city and its surroundings.

The official currency in Guam is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and tips. ATMs are readily available throughout Hagåtña.

Hagåtña is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep your valuables secure. While Hagåtña does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Guam Police Department and medical facilities, including the Guam Memorial Hospital, are available to provide help. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and be mindful of ongoing services. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hafa Adai' (Hello). A handshake is appropriate for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Chamorro cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hagåtña like a local, visit the Chamorro Village Market on Wednesday evenings for local food, crafts, and cultural performances. Engage with locals to learn about the island's history and traditions. Explore the historic sites such as Plaza de España and Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Paseo de Susana Park, offering beautiful views of the harbor and a chance to mingle with local residents.