Two worlds in Vanuatu

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This is the land of live volcanoes, earthquakes, kava, the Prince Philip cult (yup, that's true), land diving, the little nambas and big nambas tribes, cannibalism. There's an amazing richness and diversity of history and culture. Only 200,000 people but Vanuatu has the most languages per head of any country in the world with Bislama being the pidgin English language most commonly used.

And then on the other hand Port Vila could well be in Australia - there's a big expat community in Port Vila, lots of Australian tourists coming off the big cruise ships a few times a week, there's world class diving, there's a big supermarket in town where you can buy most Australian-imported necessities. Daily life is expensive here though, with most things at similar prices to the UK due to import tax.

So a fascinating mix of two worlds - Port Vila and the rest of Vanuatu.

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Photos

Port Vila
View from the air of Port Vila, capital of Vanuatu on Efate island

Independence Day Military Parade
Vanuatu only became independent in 1980, previously the country was called New Hebrides and ruled by a bizzare French/British condominium

Independence Day Parade
The brass band played in front of the President, Government officials and other VIPs, but not as formal as it seems as half way through the they changed tune and all did the macarena in front of the President!

Mother Hubbards
When the missionaries arrived, not only did they insist the local women covered up but they also created these large, colourful 'mother hubbard' dresses which are still worn by most women in the southern islands

Kava
The only legal narcotic in the world? Looks like muddy water and tastes even worse. Mostly drunk by men in traditional nakamals (Kave houses) where the lights are dim and quiet as kava heightens sensitivity to sight and sound. A \'shell\' is taken in one go and the muddy residue then spat out, while the lips, tongue and throat become a bit numb. Sounds odd, but it\'s the done thing, by everyone

Room with a view
View looking out of my balcony over Port Vila harbour

More views
My view each morning as I get out of bed

The plane, the plane
We went up to Torba, the most northerly Province, to visit one of the volunteers for a few days. This is the provincial airport, where the Air Vanuatu plane arrives three times a week with more provisions than passengers

B&B in Torba
Where we stayed in Sola, Torba Province