How Gilligan’s Island Added Fiji to My Bucket List

I grew up watching sitcoms. One of my favorites was Gilligan’s Island. Who doesn’t love the goofy Gilligan somehow managing to save the day in every episode? It was funny and silly and inspirational. Yep, you read that right, inspirational!

The professor inspired me to think outside the box for solutions to problems. Thurston Howell, III and Bunny made me realize that money can’t solve all the world’s problems and love is important. Ginger showed me that entertainment has value, especially in terms of morale. Gilligan and the Skipper had a great mentor/student relationship that inspired patience and learning. But most of all the entire show added to my desire to travel.

Sure, the SS Minnow is no cruise ship, but the guests and crew did end up on an exotic tropical island even if it was just a set on a soundstage and, despite a weekly setback, managed to thrive and enjoy themselves. A couple of classic movies I was allowed to watch like Father Goose starring Cary Grant and Leslie Caron and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific with Rossano Brazzi and Mitzi Gaynor added to my Hollywood exposure to the tropics.

When my dad was stationed in Vietnam, my mom went to visit him in Hawaii for a brief R&R visit. She came home with mumus for me and my sisters, along with photos and stories of even more tropical intrigue. The seeds of romance amid giant green leaves and waterfalls emptying into pristine lagoons were firmly planted.

Years later someone invented the phrase “bucket list” and I realized I already had one full of places I dreamed of going. No matter how many places I add to the list, Fiji is always at the top. I’m pretty sure Gilligan’s Island has something to do with that!

There’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. What influences the places you add to your bucket list?

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