Norfolk Island

Map

June 23–24, 2014

A magnificent place.

Most of the inhabitants of Pitcairn were resettled here at one point, so almost all the local residents are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.

The territory is part of Australia, but enjoys significant independence. An ordinary Australian can’t just up and move here. The listings in the phone book include many nicknames in brackets: these are the names people used on Pitcairn. The last name Christian comes from there as well.

The Norfuk language, a blend of Tahitian and 18th-century English, is widely used on the island.

But the most striking thing on the island is the scenery. All the lawns look like they’re made of AstroTurf—although the grass is all real.

A pastoral idyll all around.

And magnificent remnants of a colonial settlement, consisting of a prison and its overseers’ offices and residences.

There are few places in the world with such wonderful colonial architecture.

Really.

The old cemetery is magnificent.

The tombstones maintain the tradition of stating the cause of death without any fear of being too wordy.

The views are also magnificent.

And the landscapes are magnificent.

The island is home to the Norfolk Island pine.

It’s also pictured on the flag.

The modern settlement, by contrast, is completely uninteresting.

Vehicle registration stickers on a windshield.

A license plate.

The drivers of all oncoming vehicles salute each other with two outstretched fingers on the right hand, while continuing to keep the hand on the wheel.