Port Resolution, Tanna, Vanuatu

Anastasia
Phil May and Andrea Twigg
Wed 11 Jul 2012 05:57
19:31.6S 169:29.8E
 
Captain Cook named Port Resolution after his ship.  It is a beautiful bay, but faces north east and so it is a bit of a rolly anchorage when there is a swell outside that is coming from the east.  This part of the island is several hours drive from the main town on Tanna and there is a lot of poverty in evidence, yet the village and surrounds are meticulously maintained. 
 
The beaches around the anchorage steam with the vapour from hot springs.  We took a tour with a guide, Jimmy, who showed us some of the springs at close quarters.  Andrea stood a bit too close to one of them and a wave came and slopped the boiling water onto her feet.  She immediately jumped into the sea to cool her feet and fortunately was not badly burned.
 
We also took a tour to see a Kastom village, where the villagers live according to their ancient traditions.
Anastasia at anchor in Resolution Bay, with the "yacht club" in the background.
Jimmy showing us a hot spring
The dancing girls lined up for a photo, and the little guy decided that was his opportunity to make a move.
Take my picture too!
They showed us how to make fire.  We all know you can do it by rubbing two sticks together, but it is impressive to actually see it done.  It took them just five minutes to go from nothing to a blazing fire.
The village does have some modern conveniences, provided you are not overly modest about using them.