Amala's Heritage

Inside Out

After a long journey, Salama and her coworkers finally made it to the hotel. They were excited as they arrived in the beautiful town of Kanan. They decided to explore and get a feel for the city before starting work the next day. "We've got half the day to check out Kanan," Salama said enthusiastically. "Let's meet back in the lobby in 15 minutes."

They reached the lobby within 15 minutes and found Ingham waiting for them. Kainoa asked, "What are the best places to visit here?" Ingham suggested, "The ideal way to explore this place is by hiking through a trail. Let me be your tour guide for today."

"Before we start the tour, let me tell you about life here at Kanan. Around 12000 people live in this place. We care for the environment because we think it makes our city a happier and healthier place to live – one of the world's happiest. Our land is carbon-negative; about 60% of the land here is lush and green. Our land absorbs more carbon than it emits. Our community is all about supporting each other and respecting the environment. As the sun goes down over the village, giving everything a warm glow, we feel good knowing we're living in perfect harmony with nature, looking after our community, and making sure everyone who calls this place home is happy."

As they started their hike, they were greeted by lush greenery, making them feel like they'd stepped into paradise. "What are those big red plants with pinecone-like things?" Andrea asked. "Oh, those are Shampoo Ginger plants," Ingham answered.

While hiking, they came across a school where little kids were outside, saying their morning prayers. Seeing the young ones gather together, praying under the clear blue sky, made Salama feel good. It was clear that this town had a strong sense of community and togetherness. Ingham mentioned that the school wasn't just about academics and developing the kids' emotional intelligence and curiosity. He talked about how the school encouraged the students to explore various activities like music and robotics, aiming to nurture open-mindedness and creativity.

Outside the school building, a powerful message was boldly written: "We don't segregate based on creed, gender, race,region or religion. We segregate only waste." These words stood as a testament to the inclusive and environmentally conscious community that Kanan was known for.

As they kept walking on the beautiful trails of Kanan, Salama and her friends visited a local school, where they met many lively and bright students. Salama was eager to know more about the town and its people, so she started chatting with the young students. "What do you guys think about Kanan?" Salama asked, interested in hearing their point of view. All the students cheerfully replied in unison, "We're the happiest people in the world!" Intrigued by their response, Salama asked, "What does it mean to be the happiest people in the world?" One of the students, with a big smile, explained, "We believe that real happiness comes from living in harmony with nature and looking out for the well-being of our neighbours and community. When everyone around us is happy, we can truly feel happy ourselves."

The people in Kanan believed that nature should not be controlled but instead trusted to protect and save the people. They lived in harmony with the environment, respecting and caring for the natural world and its inhabitants. They are strongly connected with the animals and plants around them, preserving forests and protecting wildlife. Every community member participated in efforts to safeguard the local flora and fauna, understanding their interdependence with the natural world. Every living being, from insects to trees, was valued and respected. The people of Kanan understood that their happiness and well-being relied on the health of the environment and the thriving ecosystem around them.

As Salama, Andrea, and Kainoa returned to the hotel after the hike, they felt inspired and had ideas for the resort's design. Sitting in the cozy lobby, Salama began to narrate a story that illustrated what they had experienc ed in Kanan."Imagine a resort," Salama began, "where the vibrant spirit of Kanan is intricately woven into every aspect of its design. When guests step in, they should feel like they've entered a sanctuary in perfect harmony with nature and the surrounding community."She continued, "It should echo the values we see today – the deep respect for the environment, the strong sense of togetherness, and the unwavering commitment to sustainability. 

Andrea proposed, "Let's create a water wall as part of the garden area so birds and insects can drink water and find respite."  

Kainoa meticulously incorporated every pathway, ensuring that the communal spaces could seamlessly transition into open areas. The design aimed to intertwine the outside surroundings with the interior, creating a seamless blend that captured the town's profound bond with nature and its inhabitants.