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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 10 “= June 1, 2006 Reflections on Fiji By Anne Binford of Eden extraneous “doo-dads” here. Polished floors, natural tile baths, electric lights, and crisp linens are most adequate for comfort. The bed is the best I’ve ever slept on r, | signup for a mangrove tree tour—an Continuous trade winds, like the “low” setting on a rotating fan, create the swaying sound and motion of the coconut palm trees. They also entice one to stand still—or sleep soundly— soothed by the gentle brush against the skin. The breezes remain at about body temperature, though the direct sun at midday can produce per- paid dat Then t se are gathered as babies, then caged and fed. They are eventually released when they are large enough to be safe from predators. As part of this rocess, there is also a pearl farm. The slow pace and calm lifestyle of Fiji gives one the impression that there is no place to ‘© and no products to create; just take care of yourself—and others. Even the downtown wares are non-competitive. Tourist trade trappings are scanty and secondary to pure island entire inal aaland that we are able to visit and walk in danger of becoming extinct. since they alenia ded A big problem rt beach soil and to provide sanctuaries for fish. er itsgaze... and, of course, sun lotion, repellent; and the shallow lagoon and pool water cool you down to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Here, the Jean-Michael Cousteau Resort is handsomely manicured to bring to life the forever pictures of the idyllic island paradise— without the trappings of U.S. influence. There are no older couples in Bermuda shorts walking the grounds, just mostly environmentalists influenced from the 60’s — ‘0 see— not touch; occasion a tour but mainly explore on their own agenda; eat lightly of organic meals; and ask for sheet changes only every other day to conserve water. They welcome bathwater heated by solar panels. At the end of the pier departs scuba-diving enthusiasts, sail boats, transportation boats on their way to the village, deep sea fishermen, and catamarans. The shallow water by the pier is a showcase for coral, crabs, blue starfish, and the ee locals love to use like squirt guns on each other. The area is great for snorkeling during renin high tide. Snorkeling from a coral formation called “Split Rock” felt almost like a home invasion as I quietly took in t the beautiful environment. Growing very tall from the ocean floor, 30 feet below the water’s surface and 50 feet across, there exists a 3 foot wide split down the middle of this coral rock. Colorful coral grows all along the sides to the bottom of the ocean. A tremendous variety of colors of tropical fish make their home here where larger fish cannot reach them. I float on top of the water and navigate the length of the crac Suddenly ly my 1 reverie is interrupted bya pinching sensation—sea lice! I’d heard these little creatures can attack like a swarm of mosquitoes at sunset. Their bite is equally painful and pesky. Fortunately, once on dry land, there seemed to be no lasting effects from the pests. Next time I'll use a wet suit. My hotel room is a thatched roof hut with louver windows and screens to allow the tropical breeze to pass through. Called Bures, they have “A-framed” ceilings that allow the warmer air to rise as the lowered fans circulate the trade nditioning, or winds. No TVs, computers, i inet to The open air restaurant with a temple roof is served by a Fijian chef with 15 years experience in prestigious resorts. He uses all fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables grown on site. Picnics are offered on Naviavia Island, and romantic candlelight dinners at the end of the pier. Printed in the Cousteau Resort’s materials is this statement: “Our ethic at the Jean-Michael Costeau Fiji Island Resort is to take as little from the ae as possible, to give back as much as and to respect others with sini we aia this place. This means that the products we buy and sell have not required tremendous resources to produce nor do they incur environmental debts to be paid back by future generations. Instead, we offer our guests simple cotton products, hand hewn treasures made from natural products, and nothing that is produced in an unsound manner. On-going projects at the resort include wind monitoring for energy, mangrove shoreline protection, edible landscaping, medicine gardens, biomachines for treating domestic waste, solar electricity, living in harmony with the planet, a sense of hope, and a return to Fijian beliefs. Mornings, I awaken to the tropical sound of so many free, beautiful and healthy birds adding their voices to a chorus of claim on territory. I look out through louvers toward the huts and quiet palms, and reflect over the many borrowed cultures enjoyed here. Then, as the fan above me swings lazily and the bed below comforts me, I see peace and beauty and contentment and song, and wonder, “Could I make this place my home?” I awaken further then know that this island belongs to others—those very dark skinned people who walk so proudly oe have such springy hair; they have a quiet assurance of place, and I know that I must move on—this is no tourist trap; this land is theirs. Anne Binford relaxes in Fiji. life. and from the boat, walking back around the mud beach barefoot, | had to abandon my tennis shoes. Flip flops work much better. Several walking tours at the Cousteau Resort are offered. The resort is managed by the son of the famous ocean explorer. The tours focus on examining the ecological environment and the Strong ijian English language accents sprinkled twists with the humorous dialect—unaffected yet understandable. The children are bused to school all dressed in blue and white uniforms Some of the amenities here are mail service, lost and found (no theft observed), town clinic and doctor, photocopy and fax, and slow email. There are scuba and snorkeling supplies and instruction, live band music at night, safe water and drinks, taxi service, and nightly slide shows by marine biologists, to name just a few of the island’s amenities. Other trips offered include rainforest hikes, waterfall and reef flat walks, glass bottom boat tours, catamaran and sailing, and town trips to Savu Savu—the capital of Fiji. There is always a bustle there with a few irregular shops. Our group happened on to a local dance contest held on the back ofa flatbed truck; amount of applause determined the winner. organization’s ongoing experiments. One most interesting tour featured identified and marked medicinal plants, roots, leaves, and flowers; and how the Fijians use them for common ailey grow their own pharmacy! The most amazing sight was the large garden used to grow all the food for the resort, plus the propagation for future plant life. Nursery stock is also grown and used for landscaping. The gardener had been in residence for many years, and you can see the love in his careful cultivations. n on-site marine biologist has on-going projects et on coral restoration (replantif giant clams. The clams INTRODUCTORY SPANISH For Adults & Children Give yourself or your child the advantage of learning Spanish the fun and easy way from Mexico native and Eden Resident Elizabeth Benjamin Mornings and Evenings Classes Now registering ~ Space limited! Call for information NEW 5 hed 5263 E. ge Eden, Girele 4972 E. Aspen Lane en, 4 bedroom Log Cabin, on 1.24 th Fairway ofoe Creek Resort in Ogden Valley. 6,122 sq ft, 41/2 baths, 5 fireplaces. On 18-hole golf dae ce pees .28 acres. 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