After graduating college with my pre law bachelors degree with a minor in political science I volunteered for a year of service in the peace corps. After my 12 weeks of training I was stationed in the Northern Mariana Islands. The Northern Mariana Islands, officially the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is an unincorporated territory and commonwealth of the United States consisting of 14 islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The CNMI includes the 14 northernmost islands in the Mariana Archipelago; the southernmost island, Guam, is a separate U.S. territory.
I had housing on the island of Saipan but traveled to all the islands to work on different projects during my year of service. My time of service was nearing it's end when I was sent to work at the Marine Laboratory at the University of Guam. I was a certified diver achieving Master diver certification in my spare time. Scuba diving was a wonderful experience in the crystal clear waters of the island chain. My work at the Marine lab was interesting and fun. In addition to its inviting beaches, elegant hotels, and great bargains, Guam has another vital attraction- its unique culture. The traditions and customs of Guam's proud island heritage thrive, despite invading conquerors, wars and epidemics, and changing governments. Forged from a neolithic foundation and molded by historical events, Guam's living culture has expanded into a vibrant, modern way of life.
I was leading a wreck my last dive before flying home my Peace Corps. service done. Tokai Maru and SMS Cormoran, The Tokai Maru shipwreck, 120 feet (37 m) under water, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as is the shipwreck of SMS Cormoran II, which it lies besides, is one of the few places where divers can explore a World War I shipwreck next to a ship from World War II.
I arrived at navy pier, loaded my gear on the dive boat, greeting the divers and explaining the dive. As the Dive Master I was responsible for every ones safety assigning everyone a number to make sure we had everyone after the dive.
"Hafa Adia" Came a soft feminine voice from behind me.
I turned to see a beautiful Short blonde her green eyes dancing wearing a skimpy bikini not covering much of her hot body.
"I'm Cheri your dive master, you are number 21," I said to the late diver.
"I'm Laura, I just arrived last night," She explained.
The dive went wonderfully, the water was warm and clear as always. I led the divers around the wrecks, inside a few compartments, we surfaced and I helped the divers back on the boat. Riding back I talk with Laura, she was starting her service with the Peace Corps next week, she was my replacement, a happy coincidence. I ask her if she wanted to see my flat, where she would be living when I left, eagerly she said yes. We loaded are gear and headed for Mangilao in my old beat up grey pick up.
We entered my messy flat and I offer her a beer (Red Stripe). Handing Laura her beer we sat on some old sofa I found on the side of the road. We talked and laughed, I told her what to expect in her coming year, time flew by.
"I need to shower and change if we are going to make the sunset show," I said.
"Can you run me back to my hotel?" Laura asked.