08.05 - 14.05.2006
 

In Port Vila they have a large French supermarket with fresh baguette, tasty cheese, good wine and excellent local meat. We get the meat vacuum packed and that way it will last us about a month, cooled as usual. Together with our "banana expert" we buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the market. Actually you're supposed to see an image right here, but Vanutu hasn't developed enough yet to sport an internet caffee on every corner, not to mention private access. And it's nice that way! We can transmit the logbook via radio and we'll supply the pictures at the end of the month, once we're in Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo.         After replenishing our supplies we also stock some diesel and some water and leave Port Vila. Our first destination is "Havanah Harbour" on Efates western coast. This harbour played an important role in the last world wars pacific battles, but today it's a sad and deserted place, not worth a long stay. So on the next morning we immediately continue towards the island Nhuna where we drop anchor in Matua Bay. Our first visit is to the village chief - as tradition demands. Accompanied by a group of children we informally introduce ourselves and ask permission to visit the village and anchor in the bay. Unlike in Fiji the chief here doesn't expect a bundle of Kava as a gift, no, here he holds a few juicy pieces of fruit as a gift to us. And here in Njuna Nela even gets some flowers and a headband made from palm leaves. These nice people would have us stay for longer, but we need to go. We stop at the island of Emae and, here too, we're welcomed by a group of children who accompany us and play with Antoine.         Next our journy takes us to the island Epi. Acutally we'd planned to sail directly to Lamen Bay where one can supposedly swimm with a friendly sea cow. Nevertheless, we decide to stop at Revelieu Bay einzulegen - and that turned out to be a lucky choice.   At first the people here seem rather shy, but later on they seem so much more welcoming. They live in harmony with the surrounding nature, in a beautiful environment. This picture that we print for them makes them very happy.        Therefore we decide to also spend this Sunday, mothers day, right here. In the morning we search for sea shells on the beach. Displayed on black volcanic sand we discover a whole new species. Once especially beautiful specimen is given to Nela by Antoine, as mothers day gift. We spend the afternoon under a mango tree with the loacals, watch the children play, sip a few cocoa nuts and enjoy the wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.     Just as we get ready to return to our boat a man from the next village comes and asks if we could take him to the island Ambrym. We agree to meet the next morning at 8am ... but more about that in next weeks log-book. Until then ... take care! Tom, Nela & Antoine