San Roque: The Tranquil Gem of Saipan

• HelloHåfa Adai
  [hah-fah ah-dye]
• GoodbyeAdios
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesHåo
  [hah-oh]
• NoTaya
  [tah-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeUn na'an
  [oon nah-ahn]
• Thank youSi Yu'us Ma'åse
  [see yoo-oos mah-ah-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryDispensa
  [dees-pehn-sah]
• How are you?Kao hu saina?
  [kow hoo sah-ee-nah]
• Fine. And you?Ma'åse. Hu saina?
  [mah-ah-seh. hoo sah-ee-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kao hu saina Ingles?
  [kow hoo sah-ee-nah ing-glehs]
• I don't understandTi hu este
  [tee hoo eh-steh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHu na'ån hao para bista menyu, maolek
  [hoo nah-ahn how pah-rah bee-stah mehn-yoo mah-oh-lehk]
• I don't eat meatTi guaiya yo karni
  [tee gwai-yah yoh kahr-nee]
• Cheers!Biba!
  [bee-bah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHu na'ån hao para fani, maolek
  [hoo nah-ahn how pah-rah fah-nee mah-oh-lehk]

• Help!Ayudame!
  [ah-yoo-dah-meh]
• Go away!Låo!
  [lah-oh]
• Call the Police!Tångge i Pulis!
  [tahng-geh ee poo-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tångge i Dotå!
  [tahng-geh ee doht-ah]
• I'm lostKao guaha yo
  [kow gwah-hah yoh]
• I'm illKao manmåta
  [kow mahn-mah-tah]

• I'd like to buy...Hu na'ån hao para mafanatånu...
  [hoo nah-ahn how pah-rah mah-fah-nah-tahn-oo]
• I'm just lookingHu manggai lokkue
  [hoo mahng-gahy lohk-kweh]
• How much is it?Kåt biha?
  [kaht bee-hah]
• That's too expensiveKao gara' kumprådu
  [kow gah-rah koom-prah-doo]
• Can you lower the price?Måolek humuyong i prisu?
  [mah-oh-lehk hoo-moo-yohng ee prees-oo]

• What time is it?Kåt tiempo?
  [kaht tee-ehm-poh]
• It's one o'clockUno na oras
  [oo-noh nah oh-rahss]
• Half past (10)Åtto gi (10)
  [ah-toh gee (10)]
• MorningKåntanu
  [kahng-tah-noo]
• AfternoonAgupa
  [ah-goo-pah]
• EveningKånali'e
  [kah-nah-lee-eh]
• YesterdayKåhugua
  [kah-hoo-gwah]
• TodayKåsiha
  [kah-see-hah]
• TomorrowKåsaina
  [kah-sah-ee-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohss]
• 3Tres
  [trehss]
• 4Kwåtro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Sihon
  [see-hon]
• 6Sais
  [sah-ee-ss]
• 7Siette
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ottu
  [oh-too]
• 9Nuebi
  [noo-eh-bee]
• 10Dies
  [dee-ehss]

• Where's a/the...?Åpacha i...
  [ah-pah-chah ee]
• What's the address?Kåt i direkta?
  [kaht ee dee-rehk-tah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Måolek humåsåma yu' i mapa?
  [mah-oh-lehk hoo-mah-sah-mah yoo ee mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kåt tiempo i sigiente (bus)?
  [kaht tee-ehm-poh ee see-gyen-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiket (para ....)
  [oon tee-keht (pah-rah)]

San Roque, like much of Saipan, was originally inhabited by the Chamorro people. Their rich culture and traditions shaped the early history of the island. The Chamorro relied on fishing, agriculture, and trade, and their social structure was organized into clans led by chiefs known as 'mastu'. The Chamorro's connection to the land and sea is still reflected in cultural practices today.

In the late 17th century, the Spanish arrived in the Mariana Islands, marking a significant shift in the region's history. San Roque was affected by the establishment of Spanish missions aimed at converting the Chamorro people to Christianity. The introduction of European agricultural practices and livestock changed local food systems and the landscape.

During the early 20th century, from 1914 until the end of World War II, Saipan was under Japanese administration. San Roque developed significantly during this period, with infrastructure improvements including roads and public buildings. The Japanese also established agricultural colonies, which influenced local farming practices and introduced new crops.

San Roque was directly impacted by the Battle of Saipan in June 1944, a pivotal confrontation of World War II. The battle led to widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The remnants of this period can still be seen in the landscape, and memorials in the area commemorate the sacrifices made during this tumultuous time.

Following the war, San Roque, along with the rest of Saipan, underwent reconstruction. The local community began to revive Chamorro culture and traditions, which had been suppressed during the colonial periods. This resurgence has led to cultural festivals and events that celebrate the rich history of the region, including traditional dance, music, and crafts.

San Roque is accessible from various neighborhoods in Saipan, including Garapan and Chalan Kanoa. The most common way to reach San Roque is by taxi, which can be hailed from hotels or found at designated taxi stands. Alternatively, rental cars are available, providing flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. Public buses also connect San Roque with other neighborhoods, though schedules may vary.

San Roque is a small neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. Taxis are readily available for those who prefer not to walk. Bicycles can be rented at local shops, offering a fun way to navigate the area. There are no trains in Saipan, and public buses are limited, so plan accordingly for longer trips.

San Roque is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, particularly around the outskirts of the neighborhood. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, so always keep an eye on personal belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Saipan. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies offer over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital and emergency services upon arrival.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; swimwear is acceptable at the beach but should be covered when not in the water. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Avoid taking photographs in places where it is prohibited. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a polite 'Hafa Adai,' which is the local greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially seafood. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience San Roque like a local, visit the local markets, where fresh produce and handicrafts are available. Engaging with residents can provide insight into the culture and history of the area. Don't miss the beautiful beaches nearby for swimming and relaxation. Explore the trails for hiking, where you may discover hidden spots favored by locals. Participating in local festivals or events can also offer a unique perspective on the community.