Santa Rita￼

They say the best way to begin anything is to start where you are. I find myself in the beautiful village of Santa Rita, and so I begin to share my experiences on the island of Guam. I decided to use my day off to explore my village of Santa Rita. I was aware that the village is pretty small, and my drive today confirmed as much. The 2020 Census revealed 6,470 people that now reside in Santa Rita is up from 6,084 in 2010; I’m happy to add my one to that population. My experience living in this village over the last three years has been a peaceful one. I enjoy the quietness and friendliness of the people; like most places on the island, the neighbors seem genuine in their kindness, it’s the type of place where children still play in the street and neighbors offer you fruit from their tree and actually knock on your door and ask permission before taking from your tree. It reminds me a lot of growing up in a small town in the American south. Most people know each other as they are related or have lived in the village all their lives.

Although Santa Rita had a scarred beginning, it was to be a temporary location after her people were removed during World War II from the village of Sumay, which is now Naval Station Guam. The youngest village on the island and named for patron St Rita of Cascia, an Italian widow and Augustinian nun, patroness for impossible causes, and heartbroken women. Santa Rita has blossomed since the 76 years of its founding. This little village down south with wild pigs roaming the streets, as if they own the place, and beautiful scenic overlooks of Apra Harbor. The delicacies of the local empanadas are sold in the early morning hours at the Santa Rita Store in the heart of the village to the Kobkunka Thai Food stand, near Cross Island Road. Tarzan Falls is a very popular hike, and waterfall located in Santa Rita is considered a medium hike at 1.4 miles but gets extremely muddy after it rains. If you have access to Naval Station Guam, some of the best beaches for snorkeling reside behind the gate at Gab Gab Beach; there are also San Luis Beach and Old Wives Beach. T. Stell Newman Visitor Center National Park Service is a Park Service Museum located just outside the front gate of Naval Station Guam. This War in the Pacific National Historical Park Museum is a great way to learn about Guam during WWII.

I recently discovered The Yoga Garden, where one can stretch and be relaxed by the soothing sounds of Namo Falls nearby. I’ve discovered the falls have a botanical garden, but it was not open when I tried to explore. I’ve enjoyed finding these little gems in my own backyard. Santa Rita is home. I love my quiet little village on the southern end of the island. She may be a small village but filled with tranquility and southern charm.