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 |
