Hi Everyone
My reports to our blog site have become increasingly more erratic as we have slipped more and more into the lifestyle here. Our last big adventure was a couple of weeks ago when we decided to visit the far south of Malekula Island – a village called Lamap and some small islands down there called the Mescalines.
Maryann arranged for a truck to pick us up from the Education Office at 12 noon and as we expected we were picked up at 2.30pm. I was encouraged as we climbed on the back that there were only 5 other people on the truck but dismayed somewhat by the row of cartons and luggage down the centre of the back that meant there was barely room for my feet. On the other hand I was then consoled by the fact that at least I could swivel round and stretch my legs out a little bit. The feelings of encouragement and consolation disappeared half an hour later at Lakatoro when five more people and their luggage climbed on board. Still, we only had to travel 60 kms so how hard could that be….. very hard in fact – 12 river crossing, badly corroded and pot holed roads and an average speed of around 15kph, and We sure needed a stretch when we finally arrived at our guest house in Lamap in the dark at 7.30pm!
We were the only ones at the Guest House and they quickly prepared us a hot meal which was really appreciated. The next morning we visited the Kindy at Lamap and Maryann, ever the entertainer, sang a couple of NZ songs to the children. Then we caught a small boat across to Mescaline and were dropped off on the perfect pacific island beach right in front of our guesthouse for the next two nights. Have a look at the photos – the accommodation was basic but the location was just amazing. We walked into the nearby village, getting lost on the way, and met the local chief. He was obviously concerned about our navigating abilities and provided a guide for us to make sure we got back to our guesthouse for lunch. That afternoon we explored the island – about 800 people live on this low lying island and one of the things that was just awesome was how they had made a network of tracks, wide enough for vehicles (although there are no vehicles on the island) that act as thoroughfares between the three villages and act as streets within the villages. These tracks are dead straight and kept totally clean of weeds and rubbish. The next morning we were picked up from the beach outside our guesthouse and did a tour by canoe of the waters around the island. What a great tour – we stopped over one deep hole, the guide called the turtles using the local Kastom chant and over the next ten or so minutes some half dozen turtles surfaced near our canoe. After that it was on to the Giant Clam Reserve where we snorkeled and enjoyed looking at the variety and size of the clams – again look at the photos. Bright colours and lots of colourful fish as usual.
The afternoon was spent visiting the three kindergartens on the island and handing out the books, pens, paints and chalk that Maryann had brought with her. The Teachers were clearly very pleased to see Maryann and at one kindy they put on a small ceremony and presented us with salusalus.
The next morning it was back to the mainland and as we made the short walk from the beach to our accommodation at Lamap we were met by the Headmaster of the Lamap School and asked to run a workshop for all the Teachers on developing a Vision and Mission for their school. That night we were invited to the birthday party for the daughter of Lulu, the guy who owns the Guesthouse we were staying at. We now know a second and third verse to the Happy Birthday song!
Our transport back to Norsup was arranged to pick us up at 3am. At just after 5am we climbed into the back of the truck which already had a considerable amount of luggage down the centre. I was pretty happy with the number of people and was looking forward to a relatively comfy ride apart from the rain which was to persist for the whole journey. My happiness was tempered somewhat a short time later when we picked up another four passengers and their luggage – now it was getting crowded! My happiness became a resigned acceptance when we stopped yet again and picked up another three passengers. Now we had 14 adults, 2 children, a fowl, a puppy and a large woven basket full of live crabs with us in the back. And you know what ……. Even though it was still raining and everyone was soaked and cold – no one complained. In fact no one even looked unhappy. This was just how it is – the lesson for me – “Get over yourself Vic!”
Four hours later we arrived home wet and as cold as we have been since arriving here in Vanuatu but grateful for yet another stunning experience with these wonderful people!
Cheers
Vic and Maryann