The Day Our ESCAPESEEKER Team Came Face To Face With The Highly Endangered Fijian Crested Iguana…by Rochelle Vallese
In our continuing series, “In Their Own Words” –Fiji episode, Guest Talent, Rochelle Vallese submitted the following story:
Dear Mel,
Thank you again for making this pinch me moment possible.
Love,
Rochelle
Rochelle's Fijian "Pinch Me Moment"...I think it was the Fijian Crested Iguana's also
Yadua Taba Island, Fiji — Have you ever imagined being transported millions of years back to the age of when dinosaurs roamed the earth? There is a place among the islands of Fiji that inhabits a Jurassic Park feeling. It isn’t and easy place to get to, but worth the effort. You take a sea plane ride from one of the main islands to a tiny island inhabited by a small tribe of beautiful Fijian people. That isn’t where this land of a time past is located, but where you must perform a ritual with the island Chief to afford you permission to take a boat ride to the sanctuary island of Yadua Taba which is uninhabited except for a most stunning resident–The Fijian Crested Iguana. Once your boat arrives, you don’t have to venture far through the lush green vegetation to find these gorgeous iguanas who can be quite shy. It is a jaw dropping moment to be in the presence of one as it transforms it colors right in front of your eyes. In an instant, you find yourself quite and still, sensing an immediate respect for them and their home. You then inhale a sweet breath of pure nature at its finest and an overwhelming moment of peace blankets you as your eyes meet this wondrous animals eyes. In that instant you feel everything is perfect.
Thank you Rochelle for your beautiful story. You and Jerry added so much to our team’s experience!
To see more of Rochelle’s Pinch Me Moment, feel free to click to the link below: