Deeper than the Himalayan Mountains are tall, the Mariana Trench is the most mysterious, wettest corner of our incredible planet.  And the Northern Mariana Islanders call this place their backyard.  If you ever get a chance, you gotta try the fish and chips..

Dragonfish smiling for camera

In a bizarre chain of historical events, this far-flung chain of islands has at various points been under Spanish, German, Japanese, and American control.  And if you want United States citizenship, just go there to get born!

“House of Taga” on Tinian Island.  What ancient wizards built this?

Despite a rapidly growing immigrant population (particularly Filipino), the music of the Mariana Islands remains deeply rooted in the native Chamorro language and culture. Easy-going vibes and beautiful melodies abound, in a tongue that seems to be a lovely hybrid of Micronesian and Spanish.  Can you get any smoother?!

Tambien, the first hour’s Global Mix: