Hello, my name is Cleo Cuizon and I live in the same place where this beautiful sunset was taken.
Seems like something from heaven, doesn’t it? Trust me, it was prettier in person.
But I digress. This glimpse of what seems like paradise is just one of the many things that depict the beauty of my region, also known as the Northern Marianas Islands. Specifically located in Saipan, this Pacific region is home to the tropical and vibrant realm of everlasting summers, a humble oasis from the bustling cities of urban life. But apart from sharing the wonders of my origin, there’s an additional passion I consider an aspect of home — literature.
Now, if you were to consider merging books and islands in one article, there a myriad ways to compare its relevance in the same path. But within the spectrum of pursuing literature in a little rock, it narrows down to limitations and advantages that describe my current life.
Although I live in a lovely place — which I’m eternally grateful for — being a bookworm on an island does have its pros and cons.
Yes, we have the quiet, gentle breeze that rocks a soothing lullaby while we peacefully read to our heart’s content. (Now that I think about it, that does sound like heaven…) The tranquil, laid-back lifestyle of the Pacific makes it a perfect destination to retire in your 60s and immerse in the wonderful years of sunny beaches and vibrant sunsets. My life as a bookworm does feel like a life worth having, and I do agree.
However, there are some limitations to that dream.
Before we start on that, I feel that a little statistical information would help form a background.
The Northern Marianas Islands is an archipelago of 14 islands, which of the fourteen has four islands with habituated citizens. These islands are Pagan, Rota, Tinian, and its capital Saipan. With an estimated population of about 52,000 (as of July 2021), the Northern Marianas poses a humble realm dedicating itself to its primary source of economic wealth — tourism.
Now going back to my personal background, the bookworm residing in a tropical tourist spot seems like a reasonable state to be in. But if you would consider the geographical conditions, their limitations are almost plastered before me, in big bold letters. From having fewer opportunities for online shopping to having one library to nourish my literary passion, the aspirations for reading as a career seem “expensive”
Oh yeah. We used to have a bookstore but it closed down last April. A greater tragedy than Romeo and Juliet.
But amidst such adversity for my ambition, I managed to stay here and remain contented with its pace. After living my entire life, I somehow couldn’t find the strength to leave even with all the burning ardor to drop everything and live my naive dreams in New York or London…
But even if these pros and cons continue to outweigh each other, they both contain the most important aspect required. And that was the sense of belonging, familiarity — home. The joys of a quiet space and using it nurture my literary passion lead me to reflect on such a blessing, that great stories can still shine even in the smallest corners.
I’m pretty sure opportunities out there will someday knock on my door but at the right time.
So even with these limitations that may continue to irk me, the bookworm will continue to fulfill her dreams in her own way. Even if it means staying in this humble rock.
With that said, I’ll continue to read my cozy book in this cozy breeze, with a mind at ease for a hopeful journey.
I hope you enjoy yourself in this humble space, with the simple yet sublime tales I anticipate to unravel. Thanks for stopping by 😊
🩷 Enjoyed my writing? Feel free to send some support through my Kofi Page
📚Want to read more stories from me? Check out my personal blog, The Literary Bubble
📲 Other platforms where I share my love for books and writing: Instagram, Youtube, & Tiktok
References:
Brewington, Luara. “Northern Mariana Islands.” Pacific RISA — Managing Climate Risk in Pacific Islands, Pacific RISA, 17 May 2021, www.pacificrisa.org/places/commonwealth-of-the-northern-mariana-islands/.
Foster, Sophie and Ballendorf, Dirk Anthony. “Northern Mariana Islands”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/place/Northern-Mariana-Islands. Accessed 31 October 2023.
Rabago, Mark. “Bestseller to Close Saipan Outlet.” Saipan Tribune, Saipan Tribune, 26 July 2023, www.saipantribune.com/featured/bestseller-to-close-saipan-outlet/article_d4394a3a-a6be-50a4-9154-f96e19dcd7d7.html.
