MYHREN.ORG

Randi had to leave Australia to apply for her work&holiday visa, and the cheapest airfares was to Port Vila, Vanuatu. We had no idea where that was, but after finding it on a map, and determining that it was closer to equator than Brisbane, we made up our minds.

We left for Vanuatu at the end of March 2005, and at that time the rainseason is coming to an end. When we were about to land, we realised that it was not completely over, as the airstrip where closed for landing untill the rain stopped.

When we arrived at the airport, there where band playing traditionale music and dancing, just like you see in movies:) We quickly found a touristoffice and they helped us find one of the backpackers at Vanuatu, “The Wild Pig Hotel”.

There are supposed to be some other backpackers around Port Vila, but we never bothered to look around. The hotel was nice enough, although the surrounding areas could benefit from a general cleanup. There was not many guests, as March is low-season touristwise.

Kiran and Randi

We met a relaxed englishman named Kiran at the hotel, and he joined us for some the drinks in the capitol, Port Vila.

To get around in Port Vila, busses was the thing. They worked like taxies, although it took a bit longer. But when you are at Vanuatu, you run at Vanuatu-time anyway, so that does not matter to much. The busses were really cheap (1 AUD) and drove you all the way to the door. Who needs taxies in a world like that.:)

As we had one week at Vanuatu and the capitol was well visited after one day, we rented a car together with Kiran to drive around the island of Efate. This is the main island, and driving around it takes about 6 hours. But after our little trip, I would suggest anyone planning on doing the same to reserve the day. At the car rental we were given a nice sedan, and I asked if we could use it around the island. “No problem”, was the promt answer. Well, looking back, I would not have taken anything but my trusted old Lada on that trip.

The road turned into a river

More to follow….