(Jane writes) Torrential downpours alternate with sunshine through this rainy season. Last Sunday we drove through a flooded section of road, which is not unusual and sometimes portions of the highway must be closed for 12 hours. Between the storms, however, the weather can be beautiful; just carry an umbrella anyway, and use it against both sun and rain!
The main roads are lined with fat concrete power poles that make excellent panels for graffiti artists ... to cover or deter unwanted marks, some districts paint flowers, turtles, and other designs in bold, bright colors. The poles will curve in extreme winds and power lines are ggradually being moved underground. Driving usually includes are section of road with metal plates during the day, barricades and bright lights at night.
Bus shelters are painted too; direction-giving may include "turn left at the purple-flowered bus-stop!"
We visited Saipan late last month and met many folk at St. Paul's church, where services are held under canvas behind the priest's home. We stayed in a condo on built on a site that mountain goats would have enjoyed. It was great, being up those steps among the trees and birds and with a view of the ocean.
Saipan has, of course, a number of WWII memorial sites; the jagged terrain made for many desperate battles. Amid molding guns are symbols of sorrow and forgiveness. In one picture here, we stand beside the Japanese peace memorial near Banzai Cliff; the Philippine Sea is beyond the cliff. Nearby is Bird Island, whose inaccessibility and structure make a perfect nesting-place for sea-birds.
