We got to see the premiere of “Survivor Palau” last night on its second airing, something I’d been eagerly anticipating. Not just because I’m a “Survivor” fanatic (I’m not proud of it, but you gotta have a few guilty pleasures), but because I am intimately familiar with the setting — Palau.
I went there on a two-week dive trip to Micronesia in 1995, and it was truly the trip of a lifetime. It’s not only as beautiful as it looks in the footage from the show. It’s way more beautiful when you see it with your own eyes. I’ve never seen coral so lush and varied. And it is truly frozen in time on the smaller islands, with remnants of World War II rusting and becoming one with the jungle and the sea.
And it holds one of the most unique spots in the world — Jellyfish Lake. Here, jellyfish got trapped in an inland lake and, devoid of any predators, de-evolved their stingers. So you can snorkel in this lake, amid thousands of non-stinging jellyfish. It’s way cool, and I’m guessing it’s going to be one of the rewards somewhere along the line for these survivors.
So I’ll be eagerly watching for familar sights and if any of those “survivors” bad-mouth this true paradise, I will personally have to get medievel on some buttocks!
Please, somebody, strand me in Palau for the rest of my life. Creature comforts? Who cares.
One Comment
Cool. I was watching with anticipation because I had sent in an application and audition video for this one. Obviously I didn’t make it and next time I’ll know: more sit-ups.