Growing up with the primas.

This wasn't just my usual ho-hum drum trip back to Saipan. It has been FOUR years since I visited the island - this was big. Over the course of my four-year absence, a lot has changed, the economy is in a slump, residents have relocated to promising mainland opportunities and the atmosphere transitioned into what Saipan was like 15 years ago: quiet, friendly and laid back.

The main focus of my trip this time was on la familia. Growing up in Saipan didn't really thrill me as a kid:

• the boonies
• having to use buckets to shower because of low water pressure
• the heat
• the mosquitos
• having to attend Sunday mass

...these all turned me off the "Chamorro lifestyle." So the one thing that made my ten year experience memorable was my family. They're loud and obnoxious but they really make you laugh. My cousins and I bonded over the teasing aunts, weight issues, mango & salt addictions and dealing with third-generation frustrations (conforming to the American lifestyle while still keeping some traditional family values).

My cousins and I were not exactly forced to hang out with each other, but we were encouraged to stay together during the weekends. In order to keep from getting on each other's nerves, we studied choreography in MTV music videos and formed a little dance group. The amount of thought we put into these proud performances was tremendous - we did costumes, make-up and curtain calls. We pretty much tried to re-create whatever we saw on television. 

All these memories came back as we spent the day shopping at a "three-dollar" store, eating at an italian restaurant and browsing Indonesian trinkets near our grandmother's house. I didn't realize how grown up these girls are.

Belle Palacios - The Most Beautiful Smile from Brandi Nohealani Salas on Vimeo.

They're into fashion, photography and music - they're so talented! Christina sings, Belle plays the piano, Maria is a fashionista/potential fashion designer and Patty is a whiz at photoshop.

I also had the chance to visit my cousins Brianna (and her fatty baby Blake), Brian, Zerlyn (and her toddler Aryana). This was unforgettable. There's really nothing like family and the feeling of security. Thanks primas, you all were the highlight of my trip! I love you!