What would it be like to live in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization, with little contact with the rest of the world?0:03
Well, my next guest has experienced exactly this and is here to tell us about it.0:11
Terry Hellman is a travel writer and blogger who recently returned from a trip to Tristan da Cunha, the world's most remote inhabited island.0:18
Welcome to the show, Terry.0:27
Let's start by telling us about the island of Tristan da Cunha.0:30
It's located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 2,500 kilometers from the nearest mainland of South Africa, making it the remotest inhabited island on the planet, with close to 300 people living there.0:36
Fascinating enough, it's a volcanic island with a harsh terrain making it almost impossible to get to.0:49
There is no airport, no port, and it's too far from any mainland for a helicopter to reach.0:56
So, only with an exhausting 7-day journey by boat was I able to get there.1:02
That certainly is in the middle of nowhere!1:08
Who are these people, and why do they live there?1:10
That's exactly what I wanted to know and the reason for my trip.1:14
The first settlers on the island were fishermen, who arrived in the early 1800s from America.1:18
These settlers tried to establish a community but failed due to the harsh conditions on the island.1:24
Shortly afterwards, the British government took control of the island and slowly a community grew from these settlers.1:30
The island eventually became part of the British Empire and the people living on the island today are descendants of these original settlers.1:36
So they live there, cut off from the modern world?1:43
Mostly, apart from the occasional supply boat that comes to the island.1:47
The people live in one village on the north end of the island where it is flat enough for housing and farming.1:51
They have lived there relatively undisturbed except for in 1961 when a dramatic volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of the island.1:57
The islanders were taken to England and temporarily put up in an army camp while awaiting permanent housing.2:06
The British government sent some experts back to check on the state of the island following the eruption.2:12
When they declared it safe, almost all of the islanders wanted their simple way of life back and chose to return.2:17
They weren't drawn to the allure of a modern city?2:25
No, and I can tell you why.2:28
When I first arrived on the island, I was surprised at the warm reception I got.2:30
I mean, here I was, a stranger they knew nothing about, and instead of being cautious and reserved with me, they were all so hospitable.2:35
I later came to understand how supportive everyone is of each other there, something you don't easily find in today's fast-paced cities.2:43
So, what do the people do on the island?2:52
Well, everyone has their own livestock and garden.2:55
Some people work as fishermen while others work at the lobster factory, which is the island's main source of foreign income through exports.2:58
There are shops and a supermarket that sell much-needed items that are not made on the island.3:06
Everyone has a job and helps in the running of the island's economy, and as a result, they all enjoy the same standard of living and income.3:11
Sounds like a strong economy.3:19
Yes, but not only that, there is no crime.3:21
Everyone knows everyone else, and they help each other out.3:25
I was really amazed by how generous and helpful everyone was with each other.3:29
Every day is a bit different depending on what is needed in the village.3:34
On a good fishing day, some people may not go to work in order to help out in transporting the fish.3:38
On another day, some residents may stop their work to repair a building or help out with a project at the school.3:44
How many children attend the school?3:50
About 35, and they are eager to learn.3:52
The island now has internet access, and the school recently set up a new computer room with new equipment.3:56
This will greatly affect the island as these young people can now use the internet and send emails.4:02
Although few tourists will ever come to the island, these kids will grow up having a lot more contact with the outside world because of the internet.4:07
Do you think that more contact with the outside world is good for the island?4:15
I think learning about the world is a good thing as long as it doesn't destroy the values the islanders have regarding their community.4:20
My time on the island allowed me to experience living in a cooperative environment.4:27
Although I enjoy living in a big city and plan to continue traveling as usual, I now realize how essential it is to be surrounded by supportive people.4:32
Well, it sounds like it was an extraordinary experience with some incredible people.4:41
Thank you, Terry, for sharing some of it with us today.4:47
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