For as long as I have lived on island, there was always an iconic boutique at the Duty Free Shoppers (DFS) called Chanel. For the 20 plus years on Guam, I never once stepped foot into that boutique. I was always intimidated and afraid of browsing. I’m not sure why, especially considering I never knew what the price ranges were. It must’ve been the aura, the ambiance, or the intimidating stares from the Sales Associates. Whatever it may be, it is one sad story to know, that it is an end of an era when Chanel closed its doors officially on January 2020.
Guam used to be the main shopping hub for many tourists visiting the Mariana Islands. We prided ourselves in carrying many high end and well made names, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Ferragamo, etc. Tumon Sands Plaza and DFS were the main places to find these brands. Sadly, over the course of many years, world events, and change in trends have affected the trajectory of these brands and businesses.
Before Chanel closed its doors on Guam, I had to mark the end of an era, with a meaningful purchase. It was difficult to choose just one item, but I succeeded! One of the things I hope for is that, despite these turbulent times, businesses will be able to stay afloat and provide jobs for the remaining people on Guam.
Would it be so wrong if I’m already thinking of my next purchase?
Back in October of 2021, Winfred and I decided to go on a road trip to Oregon to visit my aunt and uncle. This aunt and uncle hold a special place in my heart because they were the ones who welcomed me into their home when I decided to leave Guam and spread my wings and try it out in California. They sold their home a few years ago in Sacramento and purchased a retirement house in Coos Bay, Oregon. Since they moved, I haven’t been able to visit them and I figured that the three day weekend in October might just be the time to visit them. I gave them a call and they said, “Come on over!” Below, I’ll be sharing and recollecting our 4 day itinerary in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Day 1: We took Highway 5 all the way into Oregon. It wasn’t our first choice route, but because we picked up a tag-along passenger in Stockton, it soon became our preferred route. The drive on the 5 all the way north was actually pretty breath-taking. We passed an endless amount of trees and greeneries. There was also a majestic mountain that took my breath away…I tried to research the name of the mountain and it may have been the Siskiyou mountain.
We stopped at Rogue River, Oregon for a late lunch at FLIP, flippin good burgers. Then dropped off Brutus at his boardinghouse called Howl-a-Day Inn. And, finally, made it to my aunt’s house. It was quite an adventure!
Day 2: This was our adventure day! We went out and rented a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV.) Oregon Dunes is one of Coos Bay’s claim to fame. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast from Florence, OR to Coos Bay, OR (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation/recarea/?recid=42465)
It was Winfred’s dad first time in a sand dune and let alone in a UTV. Winfred and I have visited Pismo Beach a couple of times and have driven All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) a handful of times. However, we were all excited, especially Brutus because he got to ride with us!
That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the Portside Restaurant. The view from the ceiling to floor windows were spectacular! You can see the sun setting and the calm waters. A nice way to end a perfect day!
Day 3: We took this day slowly. We stopped by the Shore Acres Gardens again as we had been kicked out the day before because they were closing. The ranger on duty that day was kind enough to let us come again the second day without charging us a fee ($5/day-cash only!) So we came back and enjoyed everything else more thoroughly.
Day 4: Left Coos Bay and headed to Crater Lake. Will share more on a future post of Crater Lake.
One thing I will remember to do the next time I visit Coos Bay…BRING A COOLER! We regretted not bringing our cooler with us for this trip as there was so much fresh seafood! From oysters, to crab, and to fish! If you love seafood, you will definitely enjoy Coos Bay. I hope to return again one day to the Bay Area of Oregon, Coos Bay.
IslanderinHeels 