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Polynesia. The Hidden Paradise
Sezione 1
Sezione 2
Tuamotu, Off the Islands
John Byron. 1765
PLAY ME
Eager to control the South Atlantic,
the British Navy gave me the task of finding an island
off the coast of South America where ships could refuel, and also to find an alternative route to the East Indies. After circumnavigating the tip of South America, I found myself facing the largest expanse of water in the world: the endless Pacific Ocean. After a month, with only the blue of the horizon before my eyes,
a small island appeared. It was a beautiful place, surrounded by a beautiful white sandy beach, covered by tall trees, forming pleasant groves. I looked at my crew, who were sliding down from the deck of the ship, to rush to see this paradise, even though the reef did not allow them to drop anchor safely. On the beach, moreover,
were the natives in a threatening attitude. I tried to anchor on the neighbouring larger island, but failed again because of the corals; I felt frustrated and amazed at the same time. The lush and impenetrable nature did not allow us to enter. After a few hours, I decided to set sail. With regret, I mapped these atolls, giving them the name "Islands of Disappointment",
a map that was published thanks to this trip around the world.
Sezione 3
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