In the water, the Papio (Trevally) are responsible for Christmas Island’s reputation among fishermen and our delight at every meal, as much as the giant lobsters we catch everyday after crossing paths with a school of dolphins. These are images of an earthly heaven in which I believe and that I witness when nature is protected – splendid and generous. When yow are in contact with nature everyday – as you are here – and it nourishes your body and your soul, it entertains you, warms you, dazzles you. You know you are at one with it. I understand how important it is not to separate mankind from nature, otherwise he will keep destroying it – and himself along the way.
I come back to the camp site with my gear on the head after a nice session in the pass. The wind was exceptionally sideshore and the sets were close to mast-high. I see Timei barely waking up from his nap, Shadé at his side, still half asleep, on the beautiful woven mat. In the background, Carine and Lou are joking around with Timei’s daughters.
He notices my delight and says: “You understand why Christmas Island is a gift of the Gods?” I smile back in answer. He laughs and concludes with: “Here, everyday is Christmas Day”. MB
“ CHRISTMAS ISLAND IS A TRUE GIFT FROM THE GODS ”