17:44.591S 168:18.818E - Port Vila Culture Shock
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Tue 26 Jul 2022 07:07
Another pleasant sail northeast from Eromango island to Éfaté island and the
capital of Vanuatu, Port Vila, with 11 knots of wind, increasing as the day
progressed to 26 knots, had us gradually reefing the main and genoa. We
arrived at 14:15 on 23rd July, joining OWR yachts Seabird and Infinity, and
later Archaeopteryx. Michael had organized a large table for all 4 boats at
“Le Café du Village” for 19:00 that evening. A delicious meal was enjoyed by
all. Some went clubbing afterwards. George in their midst, had his first
foray with over drinking and the subsequent consequences!
Arrival in Port Vila, a necessary stop for customs clearance reasons, was
quite a culture shock! Big commercial buildings, vehicular congestion, and
groups of idle youths up to no good, threatening possible bodily or property
harm, gave us a feeling of unease not felt since our days in Panama. Indeed,
the morning after our arrival we learned of a dead body found in a night
club close by due to a street brawl!
We docked at the Yachting World Marina and were met by the Australian owner,
Andrew. He was run off his feet, with the opening of the country a mere 3
weeks before, he was struggling to get things back in working order for the
increasing traffic of yachts arriving.
A quiet day on Sunday was followed the day after by an excursion around the
island. We visited the highest point on the island, enjoying jungle canopy
views and a walk through the thickly matted, dripping, humid undergrowth
with a swaying sea bridge over a deep gorge. Thankfully, the zipline
adventure was closed for the time being! Our driver, Philip, not the most
experienced at steep mountain climbs in his long wheelbase bus, had us
skidding from side to side, with wheel spins and burning rubber adding fuel
to our frayed nerves! A glorious climb, on foot, up to the waterfall
cascades, at Mélé Maat, with breadfruit lined paths, fording the river,
sloshing through mud, restored us to equanimity. George exclaimed, “This is
my favourite place ever!” The deep turquoise pools, the roaring tumbling
water, and the smoothed rocks, were a playground for jumping, swimming,
sliding and general tomfoolery.
Gradually all the boats are leaving for a new continent, Australia, an
entirely different adventure awaits us. We are sad to leave the South
Pacific and its glorious islands but have hearts briming with gratitude for
all the joy they have afforded us. Today, 26th July, we departed at 06:20
bound for the wonderful world of Oz!