Sherrie's Cruising Blog (Sailing Catamaran Element): Vanuatu

September 23 - October 8

September 23

We arrived into Port Villa, Vanuatu on September 23. We had to check in. We went into town to try and find the elusive immigration. The signage was non existent, and after asking several people, including the local police, we finally found the correct building.

Along the way we discovered the fruit and veggie market, as well as the artisan market (where we later purchased several statues). We stopped at the Nambawan cafe for a beverage.

During our time in Port Villa, we met a family from the US, living aboard their sailboat called S/V Enough. We became fast friends with, Geoff, Miriam, Hirachio, and Noah.

a sunset on our way to Vanuatu

our first ever Lorakeet (we didn't know what bird this was at the time)

lovely flowers at the market

the market

September 27

Went with our new friends Enough to see the Aelan Chocolate factory, and then on to the Tanna coffee factory.

the roaster

un-roasted beans

coffee beans ready to be sold

the garden outside

on the way back to our respective boats, time for a little play time

September 29

We visited the National Museum in Port Vila. Edgar, one of the museum staff originally from Pentecost, was gracious enough to share his sand Droing expertise with Paige. Sandroing is a form of drawing, of geometric figures in the sand, each drawing is a type of maze which is traced as a continuous line, often without lifting the finger from the sandy ground. These drawings were/are used to leave messages, explain concepts and to teach children.

the Sanddroing board in the museum

Edgar

Paige being instructed by Edgar

the finished drawing

Edgar also, shared a local song played on a traditional instrument.

The museum had many fascinating carvings.

October 8

We left Port Villa and sailed to Tanna (where the best coffee comes from). We ended up in Port Resolution with several other boats including, Enough. The bay was beautiful. The ash from the active volcano, not as much. Once we were settled, Geoff from Enough, took the kids to explore and found a hot spring, volcano steam vent, and rainbow coloured clay. We later went on a walk to explore the area.

Miriam, was gracious enough to research and book our volcano tour to Mt. Yasur.

Captain James Cook was in Port Resolution in the 1600’s. Back then the water levels were significantly higher and his boat was actually anchored 1.5 miles inland….. It was crazy to see the difference.