Thursday 8 August 2019
Thursday 1 August 2019
Port Vila
It has been an interesting time moored in Port Vila. After our last two voyages where we tried to cover many miles and see many places we decided this time to slow down and see less places in more detail!
There are quite a large number of Cruising boats here taking advantage of the moorings available for a fee in the sheltered bay adjacent to the main part of town. The last few days the ARC Round the World Rally Boats have been here too, large, expensive, mainly 45 to 55 foot keelers and catamarans lined up moored stern to along the dock frontage, only a few steps away from a couple of handy bars and restaurants. They are having a quick break before rushing on round the World!
Port Vila is a small town, fairly compact and spread largely along the edge of the harbour. It has a slightly run down look but then this is a poor country and what is lacking in affluence is more than made up in the cheerful, friendly, honest people. They have little but no one hassles you and no beggars are to be seen. The fruit and vegetable market has a huge variety of produce and a constant bustle of laughing, joking locals, except for Sunday when the large roofed area is empty and all cleaned. In contrast, to cater for the growing number of tourists, some boutique gift shops, duty free stores, coffee shops and bars and bistros have opened in between the large number of $2 type shops and general stores. There is also a very good supermarket where all manner of imported and local foods can be purchased. So we are not short of supplies. A couple of local delicacies in the restaurants are coconut crab and flying fox - we fancy trying the crab but think we will give flying fox a miss!Transport is by a large number of aged diesel minibuses. Flag them down and squeeze on for a ride to anywhere in the town and suburbs for a fixed fee of approximately NZ $2.10.
Denise and I have visited the National Museum and a variety places in and around the town. The museum had an interesting array of artefacts on display and was a good introduction to The Customs and history of Vanuatu. We were entertained by the guide in the art and importance of sand drawing and their use of hand crafted musical instruments.
Constant activity on the waters of the harbour mean there is always something to watch when on board and many interesting conversations to be had with other cruisers often over a beer in the waterfront bar. Large cruise ships come in also, in fact one is here today. Port Vila has a very deep area at the far end of the harbour where the cruise boats can come in fairly close and then the local boats ferry those passengers wishing to come ashore.There is a lot of foreign aid coming into the country. A promenade has been established along the waterfront with pleasant landscaping, a market displaying and selling local handicrafts and a fancy playground for the pikininis (children). Currently under construction are improvements to the market which will greatly improve the sanitation.
Yesterday was a National holiday - Independence Day from the British and French rule which ended 39 years ago. There was a huge gathering in Port Vila in a large park area. There were speeches by officials, a music festival and many food stalls. It was great to see so much family fun, everyone dressed in their best colourful clothes and many with small national flags on sticks poked into their tight curly hair.Denise and I will be shortly sailing off to explore further afield over the next few weeks.
There are quite a large number of Cruising boats here taking advantage of the moorings available for a fee in the sheltered bay adjacent to the main part of town. The last few days the ARC Round the World Rally Boats have been here too, large, expensive, mainly 45 to 55 foot keelers and catamarans lined up moored stern to along the dock frontage, only a few steps away from a couple of handy bars and restaurants. They are having a quick break before rushing on round the World!
Port Vila is a small town, fairly compact and spread largely along the edge of the harbour. It has a slightly run down look but then this is a poor country and what is lacking in affluence is more than made up in the cheerful, friendly, honest people. They have little but no one hassles you and no beggars are to be seen. The fruit and vegetable market has a huge variety of produce and a constant bustle of laughing, joking locals, except for Sunday when the large roofed area is empty and all cleaned. In contrast, to cater for the growing number of tourists, some boutique gift shops, duty free stores, coffee shops and bars and bistros have opened in between the large number of $2 type shops and general stores. There is also a very good supermarket where all manner of imported and local foods can be purchased. So we are not short of supplies. A couple of local delicacies in the restaurants are coconut crab and flying fox - we fancy trying the crab but think we will give flying fox a miss!Transport is by a large number of aged diesel minibuses. Flag them down and squeeze on for a ride to anywhere in the town and suburbs for a fixed fee of approximately NZ $2.10.
Denise and I have visited the National Museum and a variety places in and around the town. The museum had an interesting array of artefacts on display and was a good introduction to The Customs and history of Vanuatu. We were entertained by the guide in the art and importance of sand drawing and their use of hand crafted musical instruments.
Constant activity on the waters of the harbour mean there is always something to watch when on board and many interesting conversations to be had with other cruisers often over a beer in the waterfront bar. Large cruise ships come in also, in fact one is here today. Port Vila has a very deep area at the far end of the harbour where the cruise boats can come in fairly close and then the local boats ferry those passengers wishing to come ashore.There is a lot of foreign aid coming into the country. A promenade has been established along the waterfront with pleasant landscaping, a market displaying and selling local handicrafts and a fancy playground for the pikininis (children). Currently under construction are improvements to the market which will greatly improve the sanitation.
Yesterday was a National holiday - Independence Day from the British and French rule which ended 39 years ago. There was a huge gathering in Port Vila in a large park area. There were speeches by officials, a music festival and many food stalls. It was great to see so much family fun, everyone dressed in their best colourful clothes and many with small national flags on sticks poked into their tight curly hair.Denise and I will be shortly sailing off to explore further afield over the next few weeks.
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| Anchored on arrival in Port Vila |
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| Port Vila. The walkway along the harbour edge. |
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| An example of a sign in Bislama, English and French |
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| Independence Day |
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| Independence Day. A happy waitress in a local restaurant with the national flag on her cheek and a flag in her hair ! |
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| The edge of the huge fruit and vegetable market |
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