A Day in Vanuatu

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7 October 2012 Sunday. Sea day, which was pretty much as described previously.

8 October 2012 Monday. We arrived in Port Vila, Vanuatu at breakfast time. Vanuatu is another of those South Pacific Islands favored by “The Survivor” reality TV show which Linda and I have followed since the first season. Vanuatu used to be called New Hebrides, the name given it by Captain Cook when he arrived in the islands in 1774. He was preceded by Portugese Captain De Quiros in 1606 and Captain Bougainville in 1767. But it was the Americans who arrived there in 1942, just ahead of the Japanese, who made the greatest impact on the people. The Americans built the largest forward operating base in the South Pacific, from which it would start to turn the tide of WWII. One officer was Lt. Cdr. James Michener who went on to write “Tales of the South Pacific,” and the rest is history.

Mike and Betty had signed up for a tour so Linda and I disembarked and again were confronted by a mob of taxi drivers and makeshift stalls with tourist trinkets. Linda bought a beach bag which we would need for the next two stops, Lifou and the Isles of Pines in New Caledonia…both being tendered beach stops. We decided to rush through the gauntlet and walk the 3 kilometers into Port Vila. We probably made a mistake as it rained intermittently, and the weather was like a steam bath.

We arrived at the National Museum red faced and drenched with sweat. We paid our $20 entry fee for two, and looked at the exhibits…not really worth $20, but I helps the local economy. We then went in search of an air conditioned space, but found none; not even a McDonalds! We walked along the main street that skirts the waterfront and ended up at the fruit market. By then we had seen all the local color we wanted to, so caught a taxi back to the ship…the best $10 I ever spent. By the time we got back the rain had set in permanently…in buckets. The air conditioning on board was very refreshing!

We proceeded to the top deck to get a ice cold drink and dessert (well deserved after sweating off a thousand calories!). We returned to our cabin to change from our sweaty clothes to our swim suits which we used in the solarium pool out of the rain.

The day ended as usual with dinner and a show.

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Formal evening
Lookin' good. Great photo.

[Home and Away]

Thanks.
We aren't formal people, but sometimes dressing up can be special.

[Tommy No Papers]

I see you have been to Vanuatu too! And here I was thinking I was the only one. :)