Toto, I don't think we are in Oklahoma anymore!

As our time on the island of Saipan is drawing to a close, we have begun to reflect on our experiences here. We have realized that although we haven't had to make a huge cultural adjustment in living here, there are a few differences between Saipan and Oklahoma. We'll begin with a comparison of things we have at home compared to similar things in Saipan.

1. Once a year Oklahoma is infested by June bugs. They are nasty little bugs on which Randy practices his golf swing (they make a delightful little "ping" noise coming off the face of a driver). Saipan however becomes infested with termites. Thus the reason most houses are made out of concrete. Termites are not just a hidden problem inside the wood they also swarm lights like mosquitoes and look like a rainstorm when driving at night.

2. In Oklahoma when giving directions you would instruct someone to turn left or right. People on Saipan will ask you to go up or down.

3. Wild animals in Oklahoma include coyotes, deer, opossums, and armadillos. In Saipan we run in terror from "booney chickens" and stray dogs.

4. At home our roomate is Randy's brother Chad. On Saipan we share our home with lizards, ants, and frogs. We even had a visit from a shrew! The jury is still out on who we prefer for a roomate. Just kiddin, we love ya Chad!

Next on our list are things we have experienced on Saipan and have nothing to compare them to at home. We have gotten used to doing dishes by hand and hanging our laundry out to dry. Because of the heat and humidity, we have taken a cooler to the store so that our frozen and refridgerated items aren't cooked by the time we get home. We are accustomed to losing power for at least 2 hours a day. We are also accustomed to the suprise loss of power for an undetermined amount of time. Last but not least, Spam appears to be a delicacy here. It even made it on to the McDonalds menu.

Our last list can only be appreciated by seeing them. So we have taken a few pictures for your enjoyment. Read the signs carefully and use your imagination!

Cultural dancers at the street market.

I don't know that I want to eat anything at this restaurant.

Stairway to heaven?

When Kim gets bored. . . Randy needs a facial!

So where do I put my "brown" toliet paper? Help!



It goes together like peanut butter and jelly . . .right?
This is a site you see EVERYWHERE on the island!




1. Retail 2. Laundry 3. ?Pinocchio dolls?