I bet you're asking yourself....where the $*&% is Saipan?! Or better yet, what the $%&@ is Saipan?! Luckily, I've read up on the subject a bit and am here to educate you. If you're American, it's no real surprise your knowledge of global geography isn't up to par. I don't mean to disrespect you. I too am American, and had no idea where Saipan was until I applied for this job. It's a U.S. Commonwealth (holy doodle, it's ours?!), 1 of 14 islands that make up the archipelago called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This means it's self-governing, with it's own immigration and tax laws but on the U.S. dollar system and U.S. Postal System. Additionally all those born there are US Citizens. Cool beans!
Now, where is Saipan? The Mariana Islands are roughly 2,800 miles south of Japan in the not-really-south Pacific (it's really the West Pacific, but South Pacific sounds so much better, right?) and is roughly 15 degrees above the equator with one of the most consistent climates on earth! The archipelago rests along the deepest ocean trench on the planet. In fact, if you dropped Mt. Everest in the ocean right next to Saipan, its peak would be roughly 8,500 feet below sea level!
A clue as to why you may have never heard of Saipan: it’s only 12.5 miles long and 5.5 miles wide. Yes. You could walk across it, no problem! Population: 60,000. Saipan is about the size of San Francisco, with fewer people!
Saipan's History is diverse and unique. There are two native groups on the island (The Carolinian's and the Chomorro's) that first encountered the Spanish, then Germans, and then the Japanese. The United States took control of the island during WWII (1944) and it has been a Commonwealth since 1976. What was it during those mystery 30 years in between? I don't know! The textile industry became huge on the island and brought immigrants from Vietnam, Thailand, China, India, you name it! Clothes were produced which read "Made in the U.S.A" but when people discovered they were made in something resembling a sweatshop that didn't pay their employees an American minimum wage, the industry was shut down. It was a happy and sad day as some people's lives and livelihoods were diminished. Many returned to their home countries to work in worse conditions for less pay; others returned to places that offered them fewer civil liberties and freedoms; some however remained on the island to try to pursue careers in ecotourism, arts and crafts, music, etc. Because of all of these economic and political influences/events, the current population is very diverse and the culture, rich. I'm so excited to experience it!
Now, onto the wildlife! The Island is home to wild chickens (I hope to catch 2 hens to raise for some eggs), papaya, coconuts, pineapple, thai chili peppers(!!) and other exotic fruits I can't remember the names of right now but that I hope to gather for myself while on-island. Many endemic bird species are here as well: Micronesian Megapode (Endangered), White-throated Ground Dove, Marianas Fruit Dove (Endangered), Marianas Swiftlets (Endangered), Micronesian Honeyeater, Tinian Monarch, Marianas Bridled White-Eye, Golden White Eye, and the Micronesian Starling. I’m really excited to see and handle some of these species!
There are coral reefs on the west side of the island, caves to jump into, beaches to run on and a small mountain to climb (highest point on the island ~ 1500 feet); there is a local food co-op I hope to join, Thursday street markets, Saturday farmer’s markets and a dance club (yes, just one) : ) I’m so looking forward to the lifestyle!
If you want to learn more about Saipan, check out this awesome book: “Jamaican in Saipan: the true story of one man’s escape from the rat race to live a nomadpreneur’s dream (a travel guide for the rest of us)” by Walt Goodridge. His websites:
Or, Wikipedia (naturally): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saipan
I hope you’re getting an idea of what I’m about to jump into. Excited? Bet your bottom dollar I am!
: ) Photos to come!
Cheerios,
Erin
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