Blogs from Tanna, Vanuatu, Oceania - page 2

The last three days I have spent on another island of Vanuatu called Tanna. Well actually my first plan was to go by boat to another island called Esperitu Santo. But the engine broke and instead of the planned ten hour trip it would take at least twenty hours or more. Hearing stories of other travellers staying for thirty hours in the middle of the ocean made me cancel that trip. So I decided to go to Tanna and that turned out to be a very good decision. I was the only visitor at the place I was staying. It was run by a local family and one of the ‘chiefs’ eighteen year old son was running it. Like most of the times when I go somewhere I don’t book in advance but just show up ... read more

Wow! Tanna, one of the most southerly islands in Vanuatu, is amazing - traditional custom villages, cults, volcanos and beautiful scenery. The highlight of the year so far is meeting the Chief of the Prince Philip Cult. Yup, that's right - followers of the man who's not renowned for his sensitivity and cross-cultutral understanding! We just turned up near the village and someone went to seek permission to enter his village. We were welcomed in and he told us how he's expecting Prince Phil to come and live with them and that Phil will look after them all and the people of Vanuatu - all of whom the Chief believes worship Phil, like he does. He showed us photos of Prince Phil and various cuttings of the Royal from UK magazines. Phil had sent him some ... read more

Today has been the most amazing day. It started early and ended late and has been full of laughter and adventure. The day started at 6AM Vanuatu time. The big task for today was to clear customs and immigration into Vanuatu. We are anchored in Port Resolution on Tanna Island and customs is across the island Lenakel. Normally, Paul just does customs while I wait on the boat, but not this trip. I’m going to Lenakel! At 7AM we assemble at the “Yacht Club.” There happen to be two sailboats here today that need to clear customs, Ladymink and us. Ladymink is captained by David, with a crew of two others, Amanda and Carol. Anyway, as traditional island time, our “taxi” is late. We only get the taxi today because we arranged it yesterday. They need ... read more