Paradise or Bust party: oh what a night...
Last night was my first time to attend a gathering …. and I’m so very glad I went!
I’m going out to the island next Monday, and meeting people that have already been to VoroVoro, hearing their stories and anecdotes, seeing the passion and love they share for the Island and project, has made me feel so very excited to be a part of this.
The one thing that really stood out was the time people have for fellow tribe members…..
I’m really touched by the sense of community that this project has inspired. You can see that people have forged really strong friendships though being part of Tribewanted … even if they have never visited the island.
I live in a small picturesque village in Hertfordshire, where you would think there is a strong sense of community, sadly this is not the case.
It is rare if you know your neighbour, let alone interact. It seems as though communities are being eroded as people live a more singular existence as modern day life takes over.
What TribeWanted seems to do, is offer an amazing opportunity to reverse this trend through a global community who can come together, share experiences and talents, and support each other to achieve great things…
Thanks to everyone I met last night! Your tales made me feel inspired, and your tips are really useful (will I survive the mozzies… or the grog ???!!) and I will definitely pass on all the messages to the local tribe members!
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Watch programme 5 again on BBC i-player
SPUD’S PICS
JOHN WRIGHT’S PICTURES FROM THE NIGHT
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Telegraph’s TV picks
Meanwhile, over on BBC2, a very different battle of the Pacific was raging in the final episode of the entertaining docu-series Paradise or Bust. For the uninitiated: entrepreneur Ben Keene is trying to realise a singular dream – of recruiting a tribe of global do-gooders, via the internet, in order to build a pioneering “eco-community” on a tiny Fijian island.
During the series, Ben has overcome many obstacles, from leaking latrines to stolen CD players. Last night, however, he was collared by the last person you’d expect to find on a remote Pacific island: the taxman.
Served with a £50,000 tax bill by the Fijian authorities, Ben and his admirable project appeared close to collapse. And, despite much legal wrangling, the future of his eco-community was still in doubt (and its bill unpaid) as the closing credits rolled.
Frustratingly, the programme-makers didn’t tell us what happened next. But, if the tribe’s website is to be believed, the project is going strong. You can see for yourself at www.tribewanted.com. But please: don’t tell the taxman. null
Comments
Sounds like you had great time! Unfortunately I couldn’t make it, as it was my niece’s birthday. Question is are there going to be any more gathering in the future? I am now planning on going to the Island for the last week of August and first week of September and would appreciate similar tips from previous visitors for my planned visit.
Hi Elaine,
Sounds like you all had a great time. Had to work late but just got home in time to see the last episode. Got very emotional at the end. Enjoy your trip to the island!
Hi Elaine,
I missed you leaving last night and there were a couple of other newbies that would have loved to have met you, I did search the basement. I also wanted to wish you personally a really great trip, which I am sure it will be. Our turn will come later in the year. Feels much more tangible now having met people. Like you I thought everyone was great and so passionate and genuine about the project. Go girl, power to your elbows. Jay
It was really a great night. I am always so sad to leave a TWOT (Tribewanted on Tour)- Elaine is right, it’s wonderful to be a part of a real community.
AWESOME NIGHT. Fantastic support for this project – £1,000 raised for Dream Foundation, SMS messages from Tui Mali, 150 people, and a mamouth meke to complete it all. Lets keep fundraising – its very important.
Vinaka to all who helped make it a brilliant occassion.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tribewanted_firstfoot_jw/sets/72157603942191171/
Ratu Ben. Vinaka, Vinaka, Vinaka, Vinaka Vaka Levu Sara.
Kia’a II
Good to see you there Elaine. Last night was a ball. With 150 people there, that was the biggest gathering we’ve ever had! I have to say they’re not all like that – but we always try and have fun, wherever we are or whatever we’re doing. If anyone wants to be informed by email of any gatherings, you can email me at rea_robert@hotmail.com, or message me through here and I’ll make sure your name gets on the gatherings mailing lists.
It sounds like it was a brilliant evening – I had hoped to go but after a long weekend in Edinburgh, delayed flights and work, unfortunately I missed out. I will be going out to Vorovoro in May, and am away from March 14th – so I really hope I get a chance to go to what will be my first TWOT before I go away! Have fun Elaine and I hope to meet you all at some point soon.
Hear hear guys, awesome night, I’ve written my 2 cents elsewhere on the forums but some pics of mine are available for your perusal here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spud1984/sets/72157603944467913/ Or on facebook.
Nakas
Spudly
Loved it! I had a great time and am glad I delayed starting my job so that I could be there! Nice to meet you Elaine and I hope you enjoy Voro!
Great night, was brilliant to meet more fellow tribe members! Have posted some pix on my page :)
You are so right Elaine! I’m kind of speechless really. (Everybody gasp) Everything that is right about Tribewanted was on display last night…
Gilligan, I am SOoooo pleased to have met you, good to put a personality to a name and boy oh boy are you ONE personality. Enjoy the Taunus, it was my husbands playround as a kid, particularly the Feldberg. Jay
sounds like you all had a wonderful time,i so waanted to be there but unfortunatly i was ill, it#s an awsome community that has been created
and Joyce… you are a Sweetie!!!
Really sad I missed it, looks like it was a blast, glad to know you met a lot of tribe members who have been to the island so will put some of your concerns to rest. Have a great trip! Vuzi
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