Categories
Tinian

Strange Objects on Tinian’s Historic Runway Able???

From the air, I couldn’t quite make out what I was looking at. With the recent military contracts in effect and the proposed repaving of Tinian’s historic runways underway, I knew that each successive visit to the island (for my tour clients) might result in a few surprises and possibly even denial of access. From what I could see, however, these dark objects appeared evenly spaced and ran along both edges of Runway Able–the runway from which the Enola Gay took off in 1945 to drop an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Once I landed, I found out what they in fact were…

Categories
Tours

Jay Leno Wanted What??? Celebrity Stories from a Saipan Tourist!

It’s always a treat meeting the folks who pass through Saipan as tourists! Meet Keith Schmitt! For 40 years, Keith was Facilities Manager of the Chautauqua Amphitheater in upstate New York–host to an annual series of concerts, lectures and performances by a wide range of artists. During that time he met, catered to, chatted with and got an insider’s peek into celebrity life behind the scenes…and he’s got stories! Enjoy this “premier” episode, and if this goes well (i.e., if we reach 1,500 subscribers), I’ll invite him back on this or my https://www.youtube.com/@waltfjgoodridge channel for more celebrity stories from Chautauqua!

 

Categories
Tinian

Historic Tinian Runways Blocked?

From my most recent visit to Tinian on Friday, January 24, 2025. See for yourself!

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Can I Live in a Van? Survive on 1500US a month? Find Jamaican Restaurants….?

More questions? More answers!

Categories
There's Something About Saipan

Saipan Sea Sounds by the Sea Shore!

Inspired by a viewer’s comment on the “Q&A on the Beach” video: @michealdean3963 • 2 days ago “Love the sound of the waves in the background. Relaxing. This will be my sleep video now to listen before i sleep.”

So, the next day I created this:

Check it out! Actual sounds. Continuous video (no loops).along with accidental guest appearances at 28:35 and 55:40 Escape to the serene beauty of Saipan with this one-hour video of soothing sea sounds by the seashore. Recorded on a peaceful Sunday morning at Micro Beach, the gentle rhythm of the waves creates the perfect ambiance for relaxation, meditation, work, or sleep. Let the tranquil sounds transport you to this tropical paradise, whether you’re longing for a connection to home, considering relocating to Saipan, or simply seeking a calming escape from the day’s stresses. Immerse yourself in a soothing, serene, Sunday sanctuary while you work or drift off to sleep.

Categories
Tours

360° Fly-Around of Tinian’s North Field!

Join me and recent tour guests on a 360° Fly-Around of Tinian’s North Field which features historic WWII Runway Able from which the B-29 Bomber, Enola Gay, took off to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. See what it looks like 80 years later.

Categories
A Day in the Life

Shop Around Saipan No. 2: Michael’s Relocation Wish List!

Subscriber Michael D is considering moving to Saipan from the states and wants to know if his favorite foods and other products are available here! Let’s help him discover the reality as we shop around Saipan!

 

Categories
World War II

A Letter From the Front (1945 Battle of Saipan correspondence)

A LETTER FROM THE FONT. A father and son from stateside (my tour clients) made a pilgrimage to visit the sites of the Battle of Saipan in which a relative (Joseph Crnkovic) died. Here’s the story I provided to one of the local English-language papers with copies of the 3-page letter from a frontline 2nd Marines combatant who was with Joseph in his last moments:
Marianas Variety:
https://www.mvariety.com/lifestyle/a-letter-from-the-front-honoring-corporal-crnkovic-and-the-battle-of-saipan/article_a6d4600c-c0ed-11ef-9e5a-d3071b7dfeb0.html

Also in the Saipan Tribune:
https://www.saipantribune.com/news/local/honoring-corp-crnkovic-and-the-battle-of-saipan/article_7538bdc8-c0ec-11ef-9e27-831d53c95b82.html

Ken Sava and son Griffin read about the fierce battle on Yellow Beach during the Battle of Saipan in which Ken’s Uncle Joe died.

 

Categories
Tinian

Aerial Shots of Runway Able on Tinian (filmed Dec, 2024)

Recent tour clients Alex & Ryan experienced Saipan as well as Tinian ealier this month. One of the highlights of my “Tinian to Hiroshima” tour involves driving on this historic runway activities from which changed the course of World War  II and human history.

As a result of planned renovation and repaving of the runways for an increased military presence on the island, public access may likely be restricted in the near future.

This is a unique drone’s eye perspective of the runways filmed by Alex and graciously shared with followers of the DiscoverSaipan blog and Youtube channel!

 

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Beware of This “Priority” Mail Service to Saipan!

Are you on Saipan or know someone who is? Are you ordering products on the internet and having them shipped to Saipan? Be careful, this bit of new information might just save you hours of frustration, and weeks and even months of unnecessary delay!