This last week in Vanuatu has flown by. We started by celebrating
Halloween, even though no one around us did. The kids, JD and I dressed up and
went trick-or-treating by dinghy to the other cruising boats. We only found 2 Aussie
and 1 British boat awake and willing to entertain us. They all had to do some
serious digging for candy as none of them were expecting trick-or-treaters, but
the kids were happy they got a few treats. Gigi dressed up as Coco Chanel and
Axel as Captain Underpants.
After trick-or-treating, JD and I headed out on the town. Not much
was happening as the whole city was getting ready for the world cup rugby match
that was to be shown live starting at 2:00 am. Just before the game we went
back to the boat to get Gary, but I had to bail, I had been up since 3:00 am
sailing into Port Vila, but Gary who had just had a nap and JD headed ashore.
The entire town woke up at 2 am, and at 5:30 am when the Kiwis had won every
car horn was honking as much as possible. From the boat I could hear every time
something good or bad happened in the game and could certainly hear the
victory. We were all a little groggy the next day, especially JD who stayed up
for everything.
We went to Mele Bay, just outside town, to do a little snorkeling.
At Hideaway Island they have an underwater post office and a coral garden, they
are growing new coral to repopulate the reef, although the natural reef is
quite beautiful. The kids had fun swimming down and mailing their postcards.
A small circus performed at the beach bar on Sunday night that was
very entertaining. Axel climbed way up on their apparatus and we thought that
he was trying to join the circus. Back in Port Vila we visited the National
Museum and library, after visiting most of the country we had a better
understanding of all the different islands and how each has unique kastoms.
We have been eating our fill of Vanuatu beef and veal, probably
the best meat in the world, plus it is cheap. We know once we hit New Caledonia
the prices with be significantly higher. The fresh tomatoes, herbs and
raspberries have also been consumed in massive quantities onboard.
Tomorrow we will finally leave Vanuatu and sail for New Caledonia.
It is only 300 miles to the reef pass and then about 40 miles into Noumea.
Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed Vanuatu, the natural wonders here continue to
amaze us and the people are extremely welcoming and generous.
Calm winds and fair seas,
Julie
Gigi at the flower market in Port Vila with lotus blossoms
Trick-or-treating in the dinghy
The coral garden that is being cultivated by Hideaway Resort
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