Vanuatu Snapshots

Some highlights from our amazing and challenging family break in Vanuatu. We spent three weeks exploring the islands of Tanna (volcano mecca), Espiritu Santo (diving mecca) and Efate (resort mecca), plus some time relaxing on and sailing around a few minor (read unspoilt and untouristed) islands.

The archipeligo is culturally diverse and almost entirely undeveloped, saving a road that has mercifully been built around the west coast of Efate. Tor grew enormously through opportunities to play with local Ni-Vanuatu children. Anthony dived, and dived...Alison wove a handbag from pandanus! We all snorkelled (looking for Nimo!), jungle trekked, kyaked and organically dined our way around the islands. And we will definately be going back...albeit to different islands of course :-)

These resort shots are taken at the Palms Resort in Port Villa. It was a convenient and thanks to the GFC almost entirely deserted stop between domestic flights...oh, and of course the laid-back staff will let you take those kyaks without life-jackets - welcome to Vanuatu!























The volcano on Tanna - or rather one of the three caldera that you can drive up, then gingerly make your way to the rim. Yes, it's the real thing, and when you ask the staff if it's safe they will smile politely and say "it is a volcano" :-)














On the drive up, local kids run beside the land-cruiser. We stop to buy banana snacks from a road-side stall, Tor checks out the produce.





















Sharing Tor's violin with string enthusiast Kenneth, who has only seen one "in a picture".

Shopping at the tourist market in Villa..."Mummy, can I buy these?"



Snorkelling and sailing Hat Island, survivor beach and Paul's Rock to the north-east of Efate. Anthony is smiling because he's just dived an extinct volcanic crator. Tor explores survivor beach and I say "hi" to the fish.

There are more photos to come and stories to tell, but our time with the Aubury family is special and so deserves a seperate entry.