Takapoto Atoll, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia
As a child growing up in landlocked Illinois I thought that life in the South Pacific was a dream. It could not possibly exist. Who could possibly live like that? I mean, come on, you must be crazy to believe that there are beautiful places with vibrant coral reefs fringing lush emerald islands. Are there really all the colors of the rainbow in every possible size and combination swimming around in the form of fishes and weird looking invertebrates living in clear warm water? Do local natives sit around playing music under swaying palm trees, catch their own fish, grow exotic fruits, and drink from fresh coconuts? Do they really wear flowers in their hair? Are there actually sharks in your front yard? Give me a break. It does not exist.
Well today I am here to report that dreams do come true and that people really do live that way. The proof was before us today when we went ashore and later played in the waters of Takapoto Atoll in the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia. Music and laughter filled the air. Flowers were hung around our necks. People smiled and welcomed us to their island home. Cannons and anchors from old shipwrecks adorned the streets. Even the few solar-powered street lights around the small harbor were decorated with palm fronds. Tropical breezes blew. The sun was bright and the air was clear and puffy white clouds filled the sky. Even a black tipped reef shark came into their front yard!
Dreams can become reality and reality can be like a dream. I am convinced that people really can live in paradise and get along with one another if they love the land and the water and respect the people and the natural world they live and work in. It doesn’t have to only be in tropical island settings like in the movies. We all have the ability to create our own paradise. I have learned a lot from these islands and these people. Perhaps we all can take that vision of life in the South Pacific along with us to our homes and strive to create a better world.
As a child growing up in landlocked Illinois I thought that life in the South Pacific was a dream. It could not possibly exist. Who could possibly live like that? I mean, come on, you must be crazy to believe that there are beautiful places with vibrant coral reefs fringing lush emerald islands. Are there really all the colors of the rainbow in every possible size and combination swimming around in the form of fishes and weird looking invertebrates living in clear warm water? Do local natives sit around playing music under swaying palm trees, catch their own fish, grow exotic fruits, and drink from fresh coconuts? Do they really wear flowers in their hair? Are there actually sharks in your front yard? Give me a break. It does not exist.
Well today I am here to report that dreams do come true and that people really do live that way. The proof was before us today when we went ashore and later played in the waters of Takapoto Atoll in the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia. Music and laughter filled the air. Flowers were hung around our necks. People smiled and welcomed us to their island home. Cannons and anchors from old shipwrecks adorned the streets. Even the few solar-powered street lights around the small harbor were decorated with palm fronds. Tropical breezes blew. The sun was bright and the air was clear and puffy white clouds filled the sky. Even a black tipped reef shark came into their front yard!
Dreams can become reality and reality can be like a dream. I am convinced that people really can live in paradise and get along with one another if they love the land and the water and respect the people and the natural world they live and work in. It doesn’t have to only be in tropical island settings like in the movies. We all have the ability to create our own paradise. I have learned a lot from these islands and these people. Perhaps we all can take that vision of life in the South Pacific along with us to our homes and strive to create a better world.
