Efate and Tanna

This was my first visit to the pacific after much travel in Asia so forgive me if that is my comparative lens.

I dont think I have ever felt so safe in travelling in another country. It was great that the bus fare was the bus fare for everyone and no haggling. It seemed to be the same in the market.

The best part for me was the 6 days we spent in Tanna. We stayed for most of the time at Sunset Bungalows. There is not much to do except wander down to the rock pools and have a swim/snorkel. Chat to the locals. Walk into the little town, go to the small market on Friday, visit the kastom village for some insight into local food, agriculture, music, culture and dance, catch a pick-up or walk to another bugalow for lunch.

We travelled to the east of the island for one night to visit the awesome Mt Yasur. Stayed at the Resolution Bay Yatch Club. It was described to me by someone else a primative. I didnt think so. Linen bed sheets in a simple bungalow with gorgeous views over the bay. Yes it was a 100m walk to the clean toilet/shower block and very simple food was offered. Perhaps because it was the weekend when we were there we could not supplement any whims with anything from the nearby village as no little shops were open. If you have need of snack food or wine or beer bring it with you.

Compared to travelling in Asia Vanuatu was expensive. I also found some things quite strange with regard to using the natural resources that are available. For example we asked if the drinks included fresh coconut and as we looked at them hanging off the nearby tree we were told "we have them but we dont sell them". Perhaps someone can explain.

"For example we asked if the drinks included fresh coconut and as we looked at them hanging off the nearby tree we were told "we have them but we dont sell them"."

Simple enough-most people won't pay for them because they are ubiquitous.

Also processing fresh Coconuts takes time/energy and the juice has to be refrigerated-why do that when you can just pick one any time?

Yes it is simple to cut the top off a freshly picked coconut and drink the milk straight from the shell. Why werent they interested in doing it when we were obviously captive paying customers? Still doesnt compute to me.

"Why werent they interested in doing it when we were obviously captive paying customers? "

" most people won't pay for them"