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The ocean is calm, yet playful. Its undulating waves slap enthusiastically

against the side of the shimmering white boat, transporting you to your destination.

Ruffles of foam trail behind as the modest vessel caresses the water's surface.

This part of the world tends to have some of the strongest winds. Today however, a pleasant,

light breeze is just gently pushing your sailboat onward.

To your right, the sky and water seem to fuse into one. The parallel shades of blue

are so alike that they inspire thoughts of infinity. For a moment you forget about the horizon.

But it's out there, of course. In the opposite direction, the deep waters divide and make

room for an island. From far away the land looks quite flat. Yet as you sail closer,

you begin to see grassy slopes, the outline of ancient volcanoes, and steep cliffs that

surge straight out of the ocean. Along the island's rugged edges, birds are flying up and down,

in long, carefree loops. Like heralds at a castle's gate, their cheerful squarks

announce your arrival. You smile, enjoying their warm welcome.

Nestle between the cliffs, there's a small bay shaped like an arch.

This is where our tour begins, your captain says with a beam of excitement.

He is a shortman with kind eyes and a warm soothing voice. His ancestors of Polynesian origin

came to this island thousands of years ago. Where the water meets the land, there's a striking

...