To Ambryn for 'Back to our Roots'

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A fabulous couple of weeks exploring the islands to the north of the Vanuatu group. From Port Vila we visited Havannah Harbour - a mere 20 miles where we had a pleasant time with the chief of the village and his family. Onto Lamen Bay on the island of Epi next where there was reported to be a dugong - a manatee with a different tail shape renowned for his friendly nature. There we met up with Joanne and John aboard Feisty (from Oz) and Bungee, Jill and Sue aboard Bloomers (from NZ). We spent a super few days ashore exploring with them and searching for the dugong who was sighted on many occasions, but alas he didn't make himself available for swimming buddy.

The overall purpose of our trip was to go to the Rom Festival on the island of Ambryn - 'Back to our Roots', created 8 years ago to educated the local children and give the islanders and tourists a flavour of life on the island for the past few centuries. Enroute we called into Port Sandwich on the island of Malakula where we spent nearly a week interacting with the friendly people.

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Photos

At last fresh veg and fruit
Everything in the tropics gets the chlorox treatment - a good soaking to kill all bacteria

Island night party laid on for us
The villagers arranged an outdoor cookout with kava and entertainment. The entry fee went toward marine research they're carrying out to regenerate the fish population

Taro, and yam cook under leaves
These are the 'staple' foods in this part of the world

Kava
This is the preferred adult drink in this region. It makes lips and tongue tingle, a feeling of relaxation but tastes quite awful!

A night out
Day to day we wear shorts, T shirts and sarongs so it makes a nice change to go somewhere and dress up!

Rom dance on Ambryn
The three day festival was called Back to Our Roots and involved dancing, singing, drumming and the sacrificing of pigs. Not a good time to be a pig!

The Rom dance
The dancers wear a cloak of banana leaves and intricate masks

Chief promotional ceremony
This is performed by the chief standing on a high platform. The villagers circle below and for a certain duration they are permitted to display their pleasure or displeasure with their chiefs performance. If displeased they lob coconuts at him!

The frizbee club
Wherever Walter and I travel we play with the children. The frizbee proved popular amongst this group.