VILA, VANUATU 

We pray for the people of Vanuatu after Friday night's catastrophic Cyclone Pam made a direct hit on the archipelago. 

I feel for the people of Vanuatu, they are wonderful, loving and kind. They made me feel at home when I visited less than three weeks ago and the destruction is devastating. World Vision's Vanuatu emergency response officer Chloe Morrison is on location and stated "We've seen villages that have just literally been blown away" [source]. 

In the aftermath of any disaster, natural or man made, we travelers, wanderers and adventurers are needed to bring the country back onto its feet. Tourism makes up approximately 40% of Vanuatu's GDP and accounts for one third of formal employment [source], It is our responsibility to continue to promote these countries and encourage the next wave of conscious tourists to embark on visiting.

Always consult Smart Traveler. 

Port Vila, Vanuatu: A Photo Series

DIVING

The ocean has shades of the most amazing turquoise and ultramarine.  I envied the beauty of everyday life here on the Island and couldn't help but book myself an introductory dive with Nautilus Watersports. The underwater visibility was the best I have ever witnessed and I was incredibly trilled to finally have the opportunity to do a dive. Giving it a try whilst overseas was just incredible. We voyaged to Konanda reef with three dive masters and a pilot. After the introduction on board we got into our diving gear and jumped from the back of the boat. AMAZING! There were 5 of us divers and two masters just bobbing in Mile Bay.  It is safe, of course, and the water is crystal clear. The ocean floor and reef was about 10-12 meters below us. If ever someone described bliss, this would be close to my definition. 

LOCALS AND PURCHASING 

After the dive we made our way back down to Port Vila via mini van. The day was a balmy 28 degrees and sunny. Walking through the markets we fell in love with the bright, tropical colours of the souvenirs.

Please make sure if you are travelling for the first time that you are aware that Australian Customs have very strict embargos on restricted and prohibited items, such as; anything made of animal or plant matter, foods, kava, tobacco and alcohol. Please read the guidelines and always declare, it is better to be safe than sorry. 

MARKETS

Vanuatu's currency is the Vatu (VUV). In terms of bartering, if you are coming from a cruise ship it is a good idea to talk to a few taxi drivers and local day tour operators to see what prices they can do, especially if you are in a big group. The prices are fixed in shops and at the markets, however you could ask the market ladies for a discount if you are buying large or multiple items. Compared to Australia most items are very affordable and a kind of joy is linked to buying a few small items or giving the busking children some coins on your way back on board.  Whether you choose to purchase locally or not is up to you but it's hard to pass up a beautiful sarong or lei. 

Have you been to Vanuatu? What adventures did you embark on?