Another hut we have at Gef Pa’go is the salt making hut,
or Salinas hut. Salt in the chamorro language is called asiga.
To make salt, we have to collect salt water out by the reef,
where we know it is pure saltwater. Once we have enough saltwater,
we have to boil it over a very hot fire for several days, until the water has evaporated,
leaving behind a brown salt. We then scoop out the salt and place it in
cardboard boxes and lay it in the sun until the salt dries and turns a very clean white.
Once it is white and dry, it packaged for sale.
My stay on Guam was sort of like going back in time. Wearing a mestiza
everyday, making salt, making coconut candy. It was rewarding to be able to
experience when my ancestors did everyday. I will always love california,
but Guam is so unique, and will always be my home.
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