Dartboard Travel

[El Presidente]

 

DI's birthday 27th May and our anniversary 20th May. I thought it was apt for a 4 night away quick trip to somewhere close but we haven't been before.  Dart board = Vanuatu. 

Vanuatu wasn't on our radar but it should have been. It's a Pacific island nation made up of about 83 islands, located roughly 1,750 km east of northern Australia. A bit off the usual tourist trail, but that’s part of the charm as it’s raw, authentic, and incredibly beautiful.

What really makes Vanuatu special is the people who are consistently ranked among the friendliest in the world. You’ll hear a mix of Bislama, English, and French, and there are over 100 indigenous languages spoken across the islands.

It normally takes me a week to truly relax into a spot. I have managed it in two days here. OK....maybe not quite there yet but it is hard not  to be taken in by the people who are so laid back that day one I thought they to be completely drugged. That wicked drink "cava" has some explaining to do 

Food is varied and decent/good. Don't expect 5 star. Service is island time but always with smile and a laugh. Di and I went for a walk today among local villages and all waved madly and said hi. Places like this are good for the soul. 

Average wage is 220 USD a month. Family is everything. They have been hit hard by earthquakes and cyclones this past six months. Times are tough here but they appear to brush it off.  They are teaching me a thing or two. 

Lovely dinner. Por Larranaga Picadores (have hit a great box and smoking through) while we watch a fire show. Delightfully touristy....not something I would ever normally do. Cigars are welcome pretty much everywhere. 

Back Sunday night. Well done to the dart board 

 

 

[El Presidente]

Lovely day snorkeling 👍  Coro is in my immediate future

[Lucas Buck]

Very nice! Definitely on my bucket list. Best Kava in the world too. 

[westg]

Looks like me kind of place.  🌴😎