EdVallance's Guestbook

sounds tough
I hate travelling through the sea, it makes me sick. But i wanna go to Mindoro. I don't think the part of Mindoro I'm thinking of is the one you went to. There's a couple of great diving sites out there; maybe one day i'll be able to go ^^

Breaks my heart...........
I am from here, and I'm in shock too. And helpless. If the tentacles of crime and corruption have reached the remotest islands here, we're in big trouble. Poverty corrupts, but I put more blame on those who corrupt and take advantage of our poverty and seeming helplessness. Those vampires should be put behind bars, yet it comes as no surprise that not too many are willing to come forward and point the accusing finger. Your blog breaks my heart, Ed, but it is the sad truth and I know you wrote it with as much compassion towards our land and people.

you got me there!
A very unexpected ending........now I want to know what happened. But really, I am from Makati and reading your "adventures" with all its details got me nodding throughout the read. You have an eye for details. And I am now suddenly made more aware of how life truly is in this part of the world.

Excellent blog
I enjoyed reading this blog. It refreshing to read about the remote villages that hardly no one writes about. Keep up the good work.

This is really interesting and all the detail in the descriptions and dialogues make it compulsive reading. What did Christie, Anthony and Grace do for a living? It would be very nice to be able to find someone to invite the Tboli dance troupe to perform, as repayment for all the kindness that was shown to you. I will see if anyone has ideas that might help.

Thanks.
An informative and charming story - thanks. J.

GLAD TO HEAR YOU ARE ENJOYING THE PHILIPPINES!!!
Hey Ed, You don't know me and I do not know you (well, I feel like I do as I have been following your travel journals) but I thought I'd jot down a few comments regarding your travels around the Philippine Islands. I know I am probably in the minority here amongst Filipinos, but it is extremely gratifying to hear unbiased comments from "REAL TRAVELLERS" like yourself!!! I have lived in Brighton for the last 12 years, and although I love Britain and I call Brighton home, there is that little thing missing. I miss the Philippines dearly and you have made me even more homesick!!! :( Anyway, Keep posting fab blogs and I look forward to viewing your pictures!!! Take care and nice knowing you HERE @ TRAVELBLOG LOUMER

fotos!!!!!!

How did you remember your conversations in such detail? The dialogue and the information it conveys is absolutely gripping. The photos are beautiful.

Did you mean to go out when the cleber asked you not to or did you just forget? Do you think she might have supernatural powers? I liked the philosophical ending, perhaps it is true.

I have really enjoyed reading this. I like the way you have interwoven information about the history and geography of Vanuatu with descriptions of what you saw and how people live and behaved towards you and your thoughts on everything. It makes compulsive reading. The tiny details that you describe are fascinating. What kindness the people showed. How did you acquire your knowledge of the history of the area and the customs, and know where the traditional tribes you were seeking were likely to be found?

The real Vanuatu
My wife and I have lived in Vanuatu for 8 years now, starting with 3 years setting up and operating the White Grass Ocean Beach Resort on the island of Tanna, and now living in Port Vila ( the capital of Vanuatu on the island of Efate), using this as a base in order to run our Vanuatu travel business . I have the task of "having to" travel regularly to the other islands in order to update our website information plus expand our accommodation and tour operators inventory in these islands. What I look for the most is (after the pleasure of been reunited with numerous village friends made on past visits), is the ability to find and add new indigenous operators to our site. These guys have no other means for travellers to book them except via our website www.vanuatu-hotels.vu . I too have to wonder if they are only happy to see me because I can send travellers to them or because they are genuinelly happy to see me again. As I knew many of them before I gave them business I am to the opinion that they are my friends regardless. Having read many books on my adopted country, I can say that Ed Vallance's account of the people of Vanuatu is the most insightfull and honest I have ever read. His travel report is so good that I am linking it to our site under "essential reading" and advising anyone interested in the real Vanuatu, not just the "westernised" version to take the time to read it. Thank you Ed for writing a "warts and all" account of Vanuatu. I have found it to be true, but am only capable of photographing it as I dont have your gift. Hope you never stop writing! If you ever come back our way, you have a home in Port Vila. John Nicholls.