Vanuatu – open for business.

Air Vanuatu operate several services a week from Sydney with once a week services from Brisbane and Melbourne. They code share with Qantas Airways on these routes.

Less than four hours flying time you’re almost there. Great for anyone wanting an overseas holiday without having to travel long distances.

Says it all …

After arriving in Port Vila it’s interesting to walk around the township and see how the locals are coping after Cyclone Pam. However, it’s warming to see people are still smiling and the artwork depicts a resilient, strong culture who refuse to be flattened.

The damage has been done, but now everyone’s pulling together, they’ve cleaned up much of the debris and wanting to move on.

The local central school was spared more damage as this uprooted tree was pushed over during the cyclone and missed the main buildings.

Moorings Hotel is located close to the main shopping areas with a brisk ten-minute walk along the foreshore. The bar’s roof was damaged during the cyclone, but that didn’t stop us drinking from under it!

Fresh peanuts from the markets along with a Tusker beer is a fab way to relax.

Walking down to the markets and some teenagers waved to me after their photo was taken.

Lawn bowls not! Played on dirt this will test anyone’s skills, even those who’ve been doing it like this for years.

At the markets I met Miriam who heads up a consortium for those who wish to set up their little eateries – giving them guidance and assistance if need.

She cooks up a dish to your liking. As usual I asked for spicy …

You can’t miss the markets as this is the centre of attention for anything worth eating.

Vanuatu’s national dish is a root vegetable cake called ‘laplap’. It is made from manioc (cassava) grated or shaved into a banana leaf with wild local cabbage and coconut, wrapped into a flat parcel and cooked underground. Generally has a chicken piece laid on the top.

Hmmm, Kava here is bigger and better than anywhere else in the South West Pacific I’m told. I’ll try it later…

Just outside the markets there’s a fantastic view of Iririki Resort which will be operating again early December, 2015.

If you see me walking down the street, see if you can put me in the picture?

At the end of the day, enjoying a fantastic sunset view at Moorings hotel. Very happy to be back in Vanuatu after a few years absence.