I flew into the capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila from Australia. It is about a 2 3/4 hour flight out from my home town of Brisbane. Port Vila which is on the main island of Efate is the largest city. Vanuatu is some 1,750 kilometres (1,090 miles) east of northern Australia.
Vanuatu is an island archipelago consisting of approximately 82 relatively small islands.
The official languages are Bislama, French and English. The currency is Vanuatu Vatu.
We are staying at a lovely house on Paradise Bay at Havannah Harbour. There is no power in the area so the electricity is created by a generator here at the house which is powered by solar. There is no tv, the water is bore water and cooking is with gas.
It is so naturally lovely and so very peaceful.
My first day of exploring was driving part way around this island. Our first stop was at the Havannah resort for coffee.
Then we continued to drive through and stop at lovely little local villages along the way. About 80% of the locals live in the rural areas in small villages of about 50 people.
The locals or NiVan are always walking, probably they are not able to afford cars. As you drive by, they always wave and we always respond. It is the custom to always wave and say hello.
We stopped at several road side markets and stalls.
Although it is a very poor country the people seem to be so happy and just so friendly.
We stopped for lunch at the Beach Comber Resort. It is anything but a resort, however it was an experience. It has hot springs inside the “restaurant” and there was a band playing, very humble but delightful. It started to rain so the band came inside.
We stopped to take photos often. It sure is a photographer’s dream location. The vegetation is so lush and tropical, the road side stalls so colourful, the signs so interesting and it is beautiful.
It was church day in Vanuatu so there were “services” everywhere we went.
We were always made so welcome as we drove slowly by or walked past. The services are not always in a church.
To the locals, their children, their land and their pigs are special.
Life in Vanuatu moves at a gentle pace. It offers a carefree lifestyle and excellent tourist facilities. There is just so much to see and do here.
What an interesting report you’ve written – what is the main industry?
Thanks Linda. I am guessing tourism Lyn
It makes you think Lyn, they have so little yet seem so happy and ready to smile,yet we have so much and somehow find it hard to smile at strangers….What went wrong? Great photos.Keep snapping!!
Yes Mary. They seem to be so very content. I guess you never miss what you never had. May be the simple life is better. Thanks for your feedback Lyn
Lyn Beautiful spot. I’m sure you will have a relaxing time. I stayed at a hotel when there at Port Vila. People very friendly which is a bonus when visiting a location other than your home country.
Thanks Gail
Oh Lyn it looks just lovely. I hope you have a wonderful time. Please keep sending updates with lots of your wonderful photos.
Thanks Donna. I will with pleasure Lyn
Hi Lyn,
Don’t forget to try the “Coconut Crab” and if you get the chance try some fishing:)
Thanks David If I get a chance I will try some fishing.
I’ve always wanted to go to Vanuatu. Thanks for these photos! It looks so beautiful.
Hi Catherine. We are staying 30 minutes from Port Vila and it is perfect. We drove in to the capital yesterday and I was happy to leave. More to come
Hi lyn, I really didn’t realise your trip was so soon, can’t wait to catch up when you get back. I think I want to shift over to one of these islands, it looks so peaceful and delightful. Please send some more blogs of this trip our way and as usual you do such an informative wonderful info package. Xx ruthie and john
Ruthie. This would be a perfect escape for you. I will tell you lots when we catch up x
When living on a tropical island paradise it probably doesn’t take much more than a roof over your head and food in your belly to make a person happy.
One season of the TV show Survivor was filmed at Vanuatu, did they make the set for that into a tourist attraction?
Yes. I think that you are spot on. The more we have the more discontent we can be. The set for survivor is now the Havannah resort where we had coffee
I agree, its a very special place. Those photos bring back memories . Jd
I am so pleased to be here on Havannah Harbour. It’s just perfect and so much nicer than Port Vila x
Hi Lyn
It sounds like you are enjoying Vanuatu. I always enjoy my stays there – very quite and peaceful and as you say VERY BEAUTIFUL. Hope you are getting around OK as I know this is part of the process to get yourself moving before the next big trip to Italy next year.
Lots of love and take care.
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Thanx Carmel. We are staying at Havannah harbour which is just perfect. We did go in to Port Vila yesterday and I am so happy to be staying here rather than in town. We could not ask for a more perfect location. Lyn x
What a wonderful relaxing place – enjoy & come back refreshed..Kay
Thanks Kay each and every day I am liking it even more
Hi Lyn great photos looks like paradise, enjoy have a wine or cocktail for me x
Yes thanks Leah it is Paradise with a capital P