THANKS, DPS/FIRE DIVISION!

The Koblerville sub-station is flying the U.S. and CNMI flags again. Yes! The station is back in operation after more than five or six years of shut down following cut back on funds. A wake up from a nightmare for residents here at the far end of the island. I recall a chaotic event that occurred early in 2000. This happened just around the time the government was contemplating cutting back on funds, which led to the shutdown of the Koblerville Sub-Station.

I called 911 in response to a family emergency, so a team from the Koblerville Sub-station was able to respond immediately. Unfortunately, the station's ambulance was still making it's way back on middle road from the hospital, so the boys had to use one of the station's fire engines to get to the house. I was scared for a moment because I knew that time was of the essence. No ambulance, but at least there were paramedics on site. They were quick and efficient enough to stabilize Frances' condition while we waited for the transport.

After what the family felt was a long wait, the ambulance finally made its way into the drive way and in no time - my sister was rushed off to the hospital. Like I said, it was a chaotic event. The doctors told us later that day that Frances was very lucky. Another moment of delay would have been a very bad turn out. It was a major relief on the family when we got the word that she was OK. Thoughts of our losing another sibling was unbearable! Thank God...thank God things went right.

It may have been a normal day to day operation for the boys who rescued my sister that day. But to the family, it meant more than that. I'm especially grateful that Frances will get to watch her kids grow. What a gift. A big Olomwaay and Thanks to the CNMI government, especially the wonderful folks at DPS/Fire Division for the come back. May you remain operational for a long, long time! xD

I am having problem uploading photos from my digital camera, so they'll have to come later after my USB issues have been resolved. Thanks for visiting.

Haze over Saipan in February 2008

Juan Lizama, Jr. peeked through the door and said "lets go, I'm late." I looked at the watch and it was only 7:11 a.m. This little guy was harassing me to take him to school already. His siblings have already left on foot. I woke up this morning wondering why I was having a bad headache. As I got out of the house, I immediately noticed the bad smell of sulfur in the air. It was not a good thing to wake up to. It totally sucks. This meant that haze is back on top of Saipan again. The wind has shifted allowing ash from the volcanic island of Anatahan to head our way. Today's case was not as bad as the one's we've had in 2007. People got really sick. I had my headache, but it was managable. Anyway, while I was out doing errands, I took a few photos. Check them out below. Notice that the haze cleared the clouds off to the east as it rammed over the CNMI:


Shot #'s 1&2: Neihbors and the Koblerville Sub-station.

Shot # 3: Koblerville/As Lito traffic light.

Shot #4: Going past the Department of Agriculture heading towards Chalan Piao. Haze showing just above the horizon.

Shot #5: Chalan Kano main road. Background is a little hazie.

Shot #6: Clear blue sky. See a cloud anyone? No airplanes flying over the CNMI (smoking and flying don't mix).

Shot #7 (above) & #8 (below): Susupe, Beach Road -- Mount Tapochau in the background.

Shot #9: Microl Intersection, San Jose.

Shot #10: Saipan lagoon. This is taken right in front of the Joeten Motors Auto Dealer. The smell of sulfer still in the air. I tried covering my mouth and nose, but no use. No mask. Headache still there. The shots above were taken as I was heading north on beach road. The ones below are taken as I was heading back south.

Shot #11: (Chalan Kanoa) I am standing right across from the Mt. Carmel Cathedral. I am trying to capture the clouds in the background. More below:

Shot #14: I took this from inside the Jeep. It's not as clear as I wanted it to be.

Shot #15: As Lito road.

Shot #16: A flat tire ended my photo session. Freakin' darn. I ran into a rebar that was left lying out in the grass. It knocked the air out of my front wheel so fast I didn't know what hit me. I had to get my Jeep towed home. What a day.

A Visit to the Village

Chamorro Village: I don't how I can best describe this place. It's located in Lau Lau Bay, Saipan. The owners used to hold Polynesian shows there in the mid 70's. I was still in grade school when I first heard of Chamorro Village. The way family and friends described it, Chamorro Village seemed be a popular outlet back then. Word of mouth was the best way to advertise. I have been wanting to go there forever. But, transportation then was scarce that all I could do was march to and from school, the neighbors (to play with friends), to and from the neartest store. No fun. I kept my hopes up: some day I shall go. But you know how time flies. Change happens. Before I finished high school, I learned that the village had to close down. It was kind of sad.

One day, I took my niece, Sheena Saures, who asked me to help her do some beach hunting for her Hopwood Jr. High science class project, I discovered that the gate that used to keep people out was now open. I thought that maybe the owners may be at the site checking things out. I decided to drop by for a quick visit. No one was there, so I did a little site inspection then grabbed a few pictures to share with everyone.

I hope that some day, someone will revive this place. It has potential.

Note: Photos taken on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 by gus k.

Get Out of the Car!

Time goes by so fast. Got this story from my niece, Cella, who is in the Army. Just thought I'd it share with ya. It's totally crazy. Enjoy!