Scenic Drive through Marpi

On a day when the rain stopped and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, we went on a scenic drive up to Marpi, in the northern tip of Saipan.  Marpi is a must see if you ever visit Saipan.  Most of the historical sites and natural landmarks are located here, such as Banzai Cliff, Last Command Post, Suicide Cliff, the Grotto, and Bird Island.

The best way to experience the scenic drive through Marpi is to slow down to 30 miles and hour, roll down the windows, stick your hand out to surf the wind with your palm, and listen to your favorite reggae song.  Even better, if you're not driving and you know someone with a pickup, sit back in the truck bed and let the wind whip up your hair while taking in the greenery, the trees, the limestone cliffs, the winding road, the occasional horse or cow on the side, and the views of the ocean, that in sum, put you in a laid back country mood.

I can't count how many times I've taken the scenic drive through Marpi as a passenger or as a driver.  I never get tired of it.  It's the "Sunday Drive" destination here on Saipan, and it's another reason I Luv Saipan.

Here are some other videos I've put together over the past couple of years while taking in the scenic drive through Marpi.  Enjoy.

(hu guaiya hao mama)

Rain and Harvest

Rain, showers, downpours
Sun, waiting, then shines briefly
Wind, clouds, rain once more

That's my little haiku about Saipan's rainy season and it sums up this past month.  The rainy season usually runs from late July through October, and this is the time of the year to watch out for tropical storms and typhoons.

The rain is a welcome change to the hot months of May and June, but it does put a damper on the outdoor activities.  Right now the vegetation around the island is in hyper-growth.  For instance, cutting the grass has become a weekly chore (when it's not raining).  If I let it slide to every other week, which is my normal schedule during the dry season, the grass would be at high ankle length, and pushing a mower through high grass is not fun.

This past month, we had a special treat: a harvest to be more specific.  You may recall my post about the green mangos, pineapple and calamansi, anyway, our pineapple and our calamansi were ready to be picked.  The pineapple was sweet, juicy, and oh so delicious.  The kids loved snacking on the fresh piña.  As for the calamansi, they were quickly used for our dipping sauces and marinades.  

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As I close this post, the rain outside has begun to pour more heavily.  I have to admit, this isn't my favorite time of the year, but it is a nice change.  The temperature is a little cooler, the island replenishes it's water supply, and the vegetation is lush and green.  And so, even during the rainy season, I Luv Saipan.

(hu guaiya hao mama)

Hafa Adai Dolphin

One of my family's favorite treats is to eat at the Dolphin Restaurant at Hafa Adai Beach Hotel.  We sometimes visit this restaurant for Sunday brunch.  It serves a simple buffet with grilled items, seafood, sushi and other Japanese dishes.  The food is tasty, but it is not the main attraction.  The main attraction is the spectacular views from the restaurant.

The restaurant is on the 10th floor of the Crystal Tower at the hotel and its unobstructed views of the lagoon and the ocean horizon leaves you in awe.  On the North side of the restaurant you have views of Managaha and Micro Beach, and on the South side you can see parts of Garapan and Tinian.

(looking North)

(looking South)

Look out West and you see the vast ocean, starting with hues of turquoise as it fades out to navy blue.

(looking West)

The restaurant isn't very big, and surprisingly it's not usually crowded, which lends to its intimate setting.  

The Dolphin Restaurant, tasty food, intimate setting, spectacular views, and another reason I Luv Saipan.

Mouse over and click on the pics below to see a larger version of the photos.

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(hu guaiya hao mama)