THE PEOPLE SIDE OF TRAVEL

I've just completed a 30-day cruise to Hawaii and French Polynesia on the MS Statendam. Of course, the scenery was beautiful: white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, hula girls, etc. To be honest, however, when you see scenes like this again and again they can easily become "ho hum".

What I'm finding that is always fresh and new is the people of the islands. It is people that I try and photograph now after my fill of sandy beaches. Here two photos of children on a remote South Pacific island that made the trip worthwhile for me.

The photo of the boy with the book was taken on Fanning Island which is not easy to find on a map of the South Pacific. The island has a population of only about 2000 and most live in primitive housing. There is no electricity or running water. In support of the people of Fanning Island, Holland America encouraged its cruise passengers to bring items to improve the lives of the residents.

Among the things brought from the outside to this remote island were books for the children. I watched as the young man with the pirate book showed it proudly to his friends. I asked if I could take his picture with his new possession. The photo that resulted is one I proudly show. Notice the lollipop in the photo.

Then I followed a group of girls as they enjoyed a sunny day on Fanning Island even though they had to dodge invading tourists. They stopped occasionally to do cart wheels.

It was a unique experience for both residents and children because it was the first time the big cruise ship had stopped here. It was a day none of us will forget.