<p>Searching for a paradise more real than reality, David Boyle explores Japan’s Ocean Dome — sliding roof, wave machine, and painted clouds — just across the highway from the real ocean. Writing in <em>The Ecologist</em>, Boyle explains that what he finds is anything but Eden. He is non-plussed by the fake fruit, constant 86 degree-temperature, fake volcano with water slides, and piped-in sound of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” Even after the employees demonstrate that their wave machine produces 10-foot high waves for 24-hour-a-day surfing — constant, perfect, never-ending waves — he just can’t get excited about it. Eventually, the real ocean, real sky, real crabs, saltwater, seaweed, and fish — just a short walk away — call out. He returns his rented swimming trunks (orange with sailing ships) and heads back into the real world.<br />
— <em>Joel Stonington</em>
</p>
<p>
<p>
<p>
<strong>Go There>>
</strong>
<a href=”http://www.theecologist.org/article.html?article=435″>Ocean Dome…</a>
</p>
<p>
<p>
<p>
<strong>Like this? Want more? <a href=”https://www.utne.com/subscribe/subscribe.aspx”>Subscribe to <em>Utne</em> magazine</a>
</strong>
</p>
