It’s sometimes hard to know where the end of the earth is but Tuvalu – a little island nation in the Pacific near the date line must come close. I journeyed via Fiji for a long weekend of Robinson Crusoe style getaway. The main island of Tuvalu is a sliver of land that is 18km long but only up to 400m at its widest point. At only 2 to 4 metres above sea level it is the unfortunate poster child of climate change and rising seas.
But the happy, smiling Tuvaluans live for the moment- a warm mix of nothing is too much trouble along with a generous dose of island time. The three plane flights that arrive per week are a highlight on the island and the runway (precious real estate on a narrow land) is hurriedly cleared of kids, dogs and crossing traffic as the propeller plane approaches. The sleepy island then goes back about its business.
There are bleached white sand beaches fringed with towering coconut palms and pandanus trees and the sea is turquoise to baby blue. It’s a long way to come for a perfect beach but paradise found might soon be paradise lost to the rising seas.
Glad that you enjoyed the beauty and uniqueness of Tuvalu. The people are amazingly friendly, accepting, very patient and trusting. I was surprised to see the children porpoise dive (rather than swim as we know it).