Guam

If you could take just one photo: Guam

Local Chamorros on the Pacific island of Guam will find any excuse to throw a party (birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, the fact that it's a Sunday). But the most lavish events are Guam's fiestas, held to honor the patron saints of the island's 19 villages. Fiestas generally kick off with a mass and procession, followed by a day of binge eating and drinking at locally-hosted parties. Visitors are welcome, and you'll likely find a friendly Chamorro willing to introduce you to local specialties, such as keleguen (minced chicken marinated with lemon juice, grated coconut and peppers) or tuba (a locally-produced alcoholic drink made from young coconut tree sap). If you don't happen to be on Guam for a fiesta, just take a weekend stroll to the southern part of the island and follow the scent of barbequed meat. You're sure to be welcomed with a smile and a warm "Hafa Adai!"

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The mighty Pacific crashes thunderously against the base of the cream-colored cliffs and even from your perch 400 feet above the smashing waves, the sound is intimidating. You lean over the catwalk at Two Lovers Point and your eyes spiral down to the foaming chaos below. It's still not quite light, and the waves shimmer with phosphorescence, highlighting the flocks of gulls and terns dancing above the breakers. You check your watch, "Almost time ..." Just a few more seconds and ... There it is! The first spark of brilliant orange breaks the deep blue horizon and sends a golden arc skyrocketing into infinity. You're in Guam, where America's day has just begun. You think to yourself, "It's still yesterday back home ... I can make today anything I want ..."

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