Went to Guam for about 8 days for my Nanay's, Grandma's funeral. It was a sad time, but she lived a pretty long and full life. That was why I flew back. It was pretty amazing seeing all the relatives there that either have been there or flew back specifically for this occasion. When I think about it, I left the island over 12 years ago. Some things haven't changed, like the weather. Man, it was hot and humid and rainy. But, that is what sustains plants like these orchids that practically grow by themselves. These (which is just one of several varieties) for example were in my Uncle's yard. His wife was the one who raised them but she passed away years ago and they still flourish without any care other than the occasional pruning of dead leaves. It was the rainy season too. Funny, everyone kept telling me not to get wet and to take a shower after getting wet in the rain 0_o. I kept saying, "It's WARM rain for goodness sakes, not cold like where I live now, it really won't hurt me." The flea market hasn't changed either. The place where it is held has been moved, but still the same atmosphere of vegetables, fresh seafood (you know the fish and shrimp is fresh if it is still twitching in the boxes)various clothing, food stalls and people. Plus, the bonus of having to get up at 5:30am to be at the beginning of it. 
For all that things have not changed, a lot has changed. For example, some waterfalls that we had to hack through with a machete to get to are now all paved with amusement parks and tourist stalls. What was once free to just walk or hike to now costs money to pass through the gates. *shakes head* My relatives have changed too. Those who teased and tormented me and my cousins growing up now have families of their own and we are the ones doing the teasing to their kids. Regretful that it had to be a funeral to get the majority of us to fly in from various parts of the world, but I am glad I got to spend time with my family. Especially my mom who was the one who took care of "Nanay". Although she is already making plans to visit my sister in Hawaii this December and next year plans to spend weeks visiting me and her "apos" (grandkids) here in Washington as well as visiting some other relatives in California. Looking forward to seeing her soon.
