Tamuning: The Heartbeat of Guam

• HelloHåfa adai
  [HAH-fah ah-DIE]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-DEE-ohs]
• YesHå'å
  [HAH-ah]
• NoTiyan
  [TEE-yahn]
• Please/You're welcomeMå'åse
  [MAH-ah-say]
• Thank youSi Yu'os ma'åse
  [see YOO-oss mah-AH-say]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-PEHN-sah]
• How are you?Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS]
• Fine. And you?I fina'lo'lok. Ya bai hu?
  [ee fee-NAH-loh-lohk. yah bai hoo?]
• Do you speak English?Kåo un tungo i inglés?
  [KOW ohn TOONG-goh ee in-GLEHS]
• I don't understandTi sigi entiende
  [TEE SEE-gee en-TYEN-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHa na'la'la'la i menyu, påtgon
  [HAH nah-LAH-lah-lah ee MEHN-yoo, PAHT-gohn]
• I don't eat meatTi man-esta i karne
  [TEE mahn-EHS-tah ee KAH-neh]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [BEE-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHa na'la'la'la i pago, påtgon
  [HAH nah-LAH-lah-lah ee PAH-goh, PAHT-gohn]

• Help!Ayudame!
  [ah-YOO-dah-meh]
• Go away!Lågu!
  [LAH-goo]
• Call the Police!Ligao gi Polisia!
  [lee-GAH-oh gee poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Ligao gi dottot!
  [lee-GAH-oh gee doh-TOHT]
• I'm lostTi hu tåya
  [TEE hoo tah-YAH]
• I'm illTi hu manmakåna
  [TEE hoo mahn-mah-KAH-nah]

• I'd like to buy...Ha na'la'la'la i kumpra...
  [HAH nah-LAH-lah-lah ee koom-PRah...]
• I'm just lookingAyu lang yu' pås
  [AH-yoo lahng yoo pahs]
• How much is it?Kåo bayai?
  [KOW bah-YAH-ee?]
• That's too expensiveFino' manhåfi
  [FEE-noh mahn-HAH-fee]
• Can you lower the price?Siña un tungo i prisio?
  [see-nyah oon TOONG-goh ee PREE-see-oh?]

• What time is it?Ki ora este?
  [kee OH-rah ehs-TEH]
• It's one o'clockEsta i manmanu
  [ehs-TAH ee mahn-MAH-noo]
• Half past (10)Kuåttro na mitkao
  [KWAT-troh nah meet-KAH-oh]
• MorningKåta
  [KAH-tah]
• AfternoonKåta hu
  [KAH-tah hoo]
• EveningKåta ginen
  [KAH-tah gee-NEHN]
• YesterdayGåsto
  [GAH-stoh]
• TodayEstague
  [ehs-TAH-gweh]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Kuåttro
  [KWAT-troh]
• 5Sinko
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Sis
  [sees]
• 7Siette
  [see-EH-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
• 9Nuebe
  [NWEH-beh]
• 10Dies
  [DEE-ess]

• Where's a/the...?Sångan i...
  [SAHN-gahn ee...]
• What's the address?Kiha ti direccion?
  [KEE-hah tee dee-rehk-SYON]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Siña un tungo i mapanatåhao?
  [see-nyah oon TOONG-goh ee mah-pah-NAH-tah-how]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiha i siguiente (bus)?
  [KEE-hah ee see-GWEE-ehn-teh]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiket (para ....)
  [oon TEE-keh (PAH-rah)]

Long before European explorers set foot on the island, Tamuning was home to the ancient Chamorro people. These indigenous inhabitants lived in harmony with nature, relying on fishing, agriculture, and a rich oral tradition that passed down stories, legends, and history. Archaeological sites, such as latte stone structures, serve as a testament to their advanced societal organization and architectural skills.

In 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi claimed Guam and the Marianas for Spain. Tamuning, like the rest of Guam, became an integral part of the Spanish Empire. Missionaries arrived in the late 1600s, converting many Chamorros to Christianity and influencing the local culture. The legacy of Spanish rule is still evident in the region's architecture, language, and religious practices.

Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, Guam was ceded to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. Tamuning, along with the rest of the island, underwent significant changes under American administration. The construction of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals marked a new chapter in the island's development, and the influence of American culture began to permeate daily life.

Tamuning and the rest of Guam were invaded by Japanese forces on December 8, 1941, just hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The island endured a brutal 31-month occupation, during which the local population suffered greatly. Liberation came on July 21, 1944, when American forces recaptured Guam. This day is commemorated annually as Liberation Day, a significant event in Tamuning's history.

After World War II, Tamuning underwent extensive reconstruction and modernization. The establishment of the Guam Memorial Hospital and the expansion of Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport transformed the village into a central hub of activity. Today, Tamuning is known for its bustling commercial areas, luxury hotels, and vibrant cultural scene, reflecting its evolution from a historical village to a modern urban center.

Tamuning is a focal point for cultural festivals and traditional celebrations. The annual Guam Micronesia Island Fair showcases the rich heritage of the Pacific Islands, featuring traditional dances, crafts, and cuisine. The village also hosts various fiestas and religious events, such as the Feast of Santa Barbara, which highlight the enduring Chamorro culture and the influences of Spanish and American traditions.

Tamuning is located on the western coast of Guam. The primary gateway to Tamuning is the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM), which is approximately a 10-minute drive from the town center. Direct flights to Guam are available from several major cities in the Asia-Pacific region, including Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, and Honolulu. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a rental car to reach Tamuning.

Tamuning is well-served by taxis, which are readily available and relatively affordable. Public buses operated by the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) connect Tamuning with other parts of the island, although they may not be as frequent as in larger cities. Car rentals are a popular option for tourists who wish to explore the island at their own pace. Biking is also a viable option, as Tamuning has several bike-friendly paths.

The official currency in Guam is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Tamuning, including in shopping centers and convenience stores. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Tamuning is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, it is important to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Tamuning does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant.

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

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Wearing beachwear outside of beach areas is considered inappropriate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite when using public transport. Avoid eating and drinking on buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'Hafa Adai' (hello in Chamorro). Handshakes are also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tamuning like a local, visit the local markets such as the Chamorro Village where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Chamorro goods. Engage with locals, who are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't miss out on the local festivals and cultural events, which offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of Guam. Try the local cuisine, including dishes like red rice, kelaguen, and BBQ chicken.