Survivor 14 Fiji Donne Deal

Is Paradise Lost?

By Rick Millikan

Fiji Survivor 14 seemed paradoxical. To me, the only real danger in Fiji is getting a bad sunburn! Hopefully their brave gamesters had lots of sun block! Reportedly the T.V. contestants were plunked down on Fiji’s second largest island, Vanua Levu, the remotest Survivor location ever. Is that scary or what? This sunny South Seas escapade seems more like a fantastic vacation! I’d love to have been a survivor candidate.

To make it rough, show executives negotiated with Vunivutu Village, 20 kilometers northeast of Labasa, to tent alongside the bull shark infested Wainkoro River.  The director may have looked for sites infested with bees, wasps or spiders, which kill more people than sharks do. Unfortunately, Fiji lacks lethal crawly critters.

Though scoring third in attacks behind great whites and tiger sharks, bull sharks get boffo coverage. CBS ratings soared with the titillating prospect of such sharks eating one or more of these adventurers. As bull sharks splash and thrash along the world’s southern coasts, why exactly did Survivor Fiji win fins down against Survivor Florida and Survivor California?

I suspect Fiji’s 320 extraordinary islands offered a big advantage. These were perfect for exiling ornery, under-performing competitors.  Some islands also offer zesty predicaments. For example, nearby Sausau and Katawaq Islands provide countless “deadly” sea snakes. For bloodthirsty viewers, sadly Banded Sea Kraits are serpentine wimps!  Like every snorkler in Fiji, I’ve observed these black and white ringed snakes. The air-breathing wrigglers routinely wiggle over Fiji’s many colorful reefs…totally ignoring us flipper-flapping humans. Some divers even cuddle these cuties, knowing their tiny snakemouths can’t grasp anything bigger than a baby finger!

On the other hand, these islands DO contain fearsome palm groves! Every year, falling coconuts thump to death ten times more people than the total murdered by sharks. Visualize how the CBS tribes can truly be put in harm’s way. Supplying army helmets on a windy day, Survivor Fiji could order their Ravus and Motos to dash through thick undergrowth, strangling vines and, yes, under those deadly palms! Of course the participants would have beem well shod in army boots in case of perilous toe attacks; coconut crabs lurk there with fearsome pincers! As this largest of terrestrial arthropods steals shiny objects such as jewelry, silverware and pots, the director could have set up a crabby episode filled with ugly accusations of robberies… committed actually by this band of scuttling thieves.

Unsure whether Survivor 14 terrorized or tantalized possible visitors to Fiji, viewers must surely have been awestruck by Fiji’s natural beauty and holiday potential. If you desire white sandy beaches as far as the eye can see plus crystal clear turquoise waters, a stay in the Yasawas is a dream-come true. If such adventuresome types fear rain, be assured this South Sea island chain stretches out safely along Fiji’s dry side. If pricy condos scare you, a local family is ready to arrange a low cost island vacation through its network of budget accommodations providing comfortable amenities and authentic Fijian hospitality. Contact FijiBudget.com for the helpful information on these quality backpacker resorts and land packages.

So again, why did CBS choose this sublime nation to host Survivor? More than a hot exotic locale, Fiji thrills TV audiences with its chilling past. Early in the series the Survivor Tribes introduced this cannibal theme. I was surprised the wily Ravus never had the Motos over for dinner… Imagine Ravus replacing sun lotion with barbeque sauce: picture Motos baking in the tropical sun…

This scenario was cancelled due to bad taste.  Moreover the producers missed a chance to climax Survivor 14 with the Motos and Ravus rucking for victory in a good ole rugby match.  This would have been the perfect ending for this Fiji reality show!

Travel Planner:

Flying to Fiji: Air Pacific www.airpacific.com

To visit many of Fiji’s paradisiacal islands in style & comfort: Blue Lagoon Cruises www.bluelagooncruises.com offers several itineraries.

Stylish Accommodations: First Landing www.firstlandingfiji.com, Sonaisali Island Resort www.sonaisali.com & Sheraton Fiji Resort on Denarau Island www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/fiji