We were actually in Port Vila which is the capital city and is located on the main island of Efate which is a fairly well developed and bustling city. We hired a cab for a couple of hours and our friendly driver Max knew all about survivor and told us where it was filmed.
Getting off the ship in most ports around the world is an adventure with tour operators and cab drivers hustling for business. Vanuatu was no exception and actually took us by a little bit of a surprise. Stepping off the ship we had to pass through the local craft market. Again no big deal except they had stolen the layout from IKEA so once you're in you have to wander down row after row to make your way out. Upon finally exiting the market there was a healthy gauntlet of vendors and hawkers to navigate.
We made our way to a water taxi which took us to the city center. We roamed a bit before hiring Max to drive us around. He was a very friendly older guy who shared with us that he had five children. He also told us about a major cyclone that hit the island last year. Although there was minimal loss of life there was a lot of damage. Max said his house was destroyed and that he is currently living in a tent while earning money to rebuild. In spite of the hardship he said that he was grateful that he and all his family survived and are well. He said that most residents were happy and kind people which is certainly what we encountered.
He took us to the "Blue Lagoon" which was a beautiful salt water swimming hole complete with several rope tree swings. It had been a very long time, probably since high school back in Mulberry but I couldn't resist trying one. Beth filmed the whole ordeal and I am proud to say in spite of being a few pounds heavier I can still do pretty darn good on a tree swing. I made it out over the water and executed a perfect drop at the right time. All appendages seem to still be attached and in working order!
The drive out and back were through beautiful pasture land with cattle and horses as well as along the rocky coast.
We enjoyed our day and even though we didn't get voted off the island it's getting near leaving time....other adventures await....New Caledonia the next two days!!
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| Beth and the Blue Lagoon |
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| Doing my best Tarzan impersonation- I hadn't done a rope swing in a very long time. I survived and may not push my luck again |
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| Me and Max-Nice Guy! |
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| Harbor Front |
