Vanuatu Ever Green

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  • Day 65

    Stonegrill Restaurant

    March 25 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    So many people I’ve talked to have told me that Vanuatu is famous for their beef. Apparently they treat their cattle really well here and have really good beef.
    The place to go to have this beef at its finest seems to be the Stonegrill Restaurant, so I headed out for dinner, and took a bus there.

    A moderately upscale open air restaurant on a hill looking over the city, I got a nice little table to myself, and ordered the beef carpaccio, the cheapest steak, and a pineapple Fanta haha. They also had hilarious jazz renditions of pop songs playing in the background lol

    The beef carpaccio with fried capers and pesto was delicious and it really was some of the best carpaccio I’ve ever had. The toppings didn’t overpower the subtle flavour of the raw beef, but the raw beef also had enough flavour to stand on its own without being too beefy. So thin it melts in your mouth.

    I got the skirt steak, the cheapest, which comes with two sides— I picked salad and eggplants. I see now why they call it the stonegrill restaurant. The steak comes out raw, on a searing hot stone, where you grill it yourself to your liking. I had some pieces pretty rare and some more cooked. It was all delicious, with a mushroom sauce. A bit chewy but that’s just because of the cut I got.

    Some really yummy beef, and actually does live up to all the hype. And not too expensive for what it was!

    After I got back to the hotel, I had the lemon version of the local beer, Tusker. One of the yummiest beers I’ve ever had, but mind you I do really like lemon.
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  • Day 25

    So so, Abflug nach Brisbane?🤔

    December 13, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    "Z'mörgele", Packen, Zahlen und ab auf den Ausflug mit meinem Baggage.

    Die Bootsfahrts dauerte rund 30 Minuten.
    Anschliessend mussten wir mit der Schnorchelausrüstung ins Wasser bis unmittelbar vor die Höhle schwimmen.
    Die meisten hatten den Ka.. schon in der Hose.
    Da "low tide" war, musste man nicht viel unter der Höhle durchschwimmen.
    Ich war als erster in der wundervollen Höhle.
    Wunderbar mit den türkisblauen Farben und den Fischen, die sich dort versteckten.
    Ich machte einige Fotos und Videos. Ich merkte, dass ich gesundheitlich noch angeschlagen war, doch hat sich der Ausflug gelohnt. Wir konnten 1 Stunde Zeit in der Höhle verbringen.
    Zurück auf das Boot.
    Die Heimfahrt dauerte länger aufgrund des Gegenstroms und der Wellen. Klappt es trotzdem mit der Zeit?😬

    11:15 Uhr angekommen, passte die Verbindung mit dem Bus zum Flughafen wunderbar. Jedoch gab ich allen auf der Tour meine Nummer, da ich Fotos von Ihnen aufgenommen habe.
    Denn ich habe einen wasserdichten Beutel für das Handy.😉
    Alle waren sooo dankbar.😊

    Schliesslich das kleinste CheckIn, dass ich je gesehen habe, aber ist ja klar bei so einem kleinen Flughafen. Wieder keine Kontrollen. Das mag ich.😍

    Wir warteten den Flieger von Port Vila ab, der uns anschliessend abholt und wieder zurückfliegt.

    Ziemlich pünktlich kam er an und somit sah das auch sehr gut aus mit der Verbindung nach Brisbane.

    Wir warteten alle beim (Gate), damit die Tür zum Flugzeug freigegeben wird.
    Kein Problem sie warteten sehr lange, bis ich 13:15 zum CheckIn zurück ging, um zu fragen.
    Super👍🏻
    Der Flieger hatte beim Hinflug von Port Vila bei der Landung 2 Vögel erwischt.
    Sie organisierten einen Flugingenieur, der aber auf einer anderen Insel war, um den Flieger/ (Schäden) zu begutachten.🤔
    So nun hiess es warten.🙈
    UND MEINE VERBINDUNG IN PORT VILA NACH BRISBANE?
    90% waren Einheimische, die sich schnellstens verzogen haben.
    Auf jeden Fall sprach ich noch Schweizer an, mit denen ich quatschen konnte. Sie Reisen ca. 6 Monate um die Welt.😮

    15:00 sagte uns der Pilot, dass ein kleines Flugzeug uns abholen käme. Er konnte uns nicht versichern, ob es auf den Anschlussflug reichen werde.
    3 andere hatten in Port Vila auch noch einen Transfer, um an eine andere Destination wie ich zu gelangen.
    Es stellte sich schnellstens heraus, dass wir das nicht schaffen werden.🙄

    16:20 kam das "Tukerli" an.
    Bevor wir einsteigen konnten, musste zur Sicherheit Gepäck und Personen gewogen werden.
    Sie brachten ungefähr 16 Personen in den Flieger.
    Holpriger Start und ab in die Höhe.
    Ein ohrenbetäubender Lärm war es schon, doch immer hin mit Blick ins Cockpit und ich sogar mit Sicht vorne heraus.😍
    Ich fühlte mich wie in einem Film.🙈
    Es war ein langer Flug, denn viel Leistung hatte dieses "Tukerli" nicht.

    Doch die Landung war erste Sahne.😮
    Noch nie habe ich so eine saubere Landung gehabt.👌🏼
    Meine Verbindung flog vor 30-45 Minuten ab.

    Nun heisst es der Schalter suchen.
    Ich half einer adipösen Frau den Koffer zu tragen.
    Beim Schalter angekommen, drängelte sich die Frau einfach vor mich, um zuerst an der Reihe zu sein. Das fand ich so typisch mit Weissemkopf...

    Probleme:
    Da die Frau mit Air Vanuatu weitergeflogen wäre, hat sie alles arrangiert bekommen.
    Ich und die 2 Chinesen nicht.🙈
    Den Flug von ihnen allen konnten sie am Schalter umbuchen, doch der meinige nicht.
    Ich wollte meine Fluggesellschaft kontaktieren, doch vergebens.
    Der Mann am Schalter sagte uns, ihr müsst selbst für eine Unterkunft suchen und bezahlen müssen wir sowiso alles selber.🙃 Grund: Andere Fluggesellschaft.
    Ich war ziemlich sauer, was man mir auch ansah. Die Chinesen bliben ruhiger.
    Ich vesuchte immernoch eine verfügbare Telefonnummer zu suchen, damit der Mann am Schalter umbuchen kann.

    Nach 15 Minuten kamen die Chinesen zurück und sagten, sie hätten keine Unterkunft gefunden.
    Doch dann ging was. Aufgrund dessen arrangierten sie und doch ein Hotel mit Transport🙏. Immerhin, denn es war inzwischen schon dunkel geworden.😅
    Die freche Frau wurde schon fast zum Hotel transferiert, bis der Mann am Schalter sie telefonisch zurück pfeifte. Bevor sie ging, fragte mich/uns nicht einmal, wie es bei mir/uns aussieht. Es war ihr scheissegal.

    Ich hatte nur noch 1 Problem. Wie mache ich das mit meinem Flug?🙈
    Ich frug noch Marcel, denn am folgenden Tag hätte ich einen Flug über Melbourne nach Brisbane. Dauer 9 Stunden. Ankunft 20:40 Uhr. Laut Fahrplan käme ich dann mit dem Zug nicht mehr an die Sunshine Coast .🫠
    Daher die Aussicht für den Direktflug am Freitag nach Brisbane.
    Vielen Dank Marcel und Theresa für die Rücksprache mit euch.😘❤️

    Air Vanuatu wusste, dass ich eventuell noch eine Nacht länger bleibe muss, aber ich fragte trotzdem meine Versicherung.
    So liess ich mich von der Versicherung absegnen, dass der Flug und die weitere Nacht im Hotel von Ihnen übernommen werden können, falls Air Vanuatu diese nicht tragen würde.👍🏻

    Nach einigen Stunden Ärger im Hotel die Fluggesellschaft des verpassten Fluges nicht zu erreichen, schaute ich somit alleine für Freitag zu buchen.
    Alles war seeeeehr anstrengend und einfach nur mühsam.😅
    Glücklicherweise stand uns 3000 Vatu zum Mittagessen und Nachtessen zu. Sprich so ca. 22 Franken.🙏
    1000 Vatu zum Frühstück.

    Somit gönnte ich mir nach dieser Aufruhr ein leckeres einheimischen Gericht. Mhhh😍👌🏼

    Schliesslich kostete ich die Badewanne aus buchte meinen Flug am Freitag und schlief im Kingsize Bett ein.😊
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  • Day 7

    It Had To Bloody Happen

    December 3, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Well it just had to happen, but at least it was end of the last day in ports, but now in a sling for a while.
    Water taxi dropped us off in bad spot on a boat ramp and while disembarking stepped onto a green slime area one leg in the boat and one leg out. Next thing down like a sack of potato’s into the drink.
    Guess I can say I fell overboard whilst on a cruise and survived. Lol
    Possible bone fragment but unsure. Bloody lot of pain and can’t move my hand.
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  • Day 4

    Au Revoir - Melanesian Port Vila

    October 5, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    A quick add on to finish life on island time as tomorrow could well be mayhem. As noted my flight has already been changed and I now learn of chaotic wind action in Sydney cancelling a 100 flights - wonderful news. A positive- my new (earlier) transfer time has been confirmed! Hopefully there are not any delays out of Port Vila as it is a small airport with not many delights. I will have plenty of time, if all goes well, to negotiate SYD International to SYD Domestic- I will have to train as I don’t have connecting flights (wouldn’t allow out of CNS). I am overnighting in BNE - again if all goes well. I will miss Kerry on Saturday morning by a few hours - she arrives for the christening at 9.30am I board at 6.05. Let’s see how the dice roll!! Dinner tonight? I didn’t want hotel fare and the weather was too dicey to venture far. As it was I had to transfer off the balcony because of a squall and wind gust. I went to the Marche to try and bring some Francoise into this old French province for a last taste. A Mediterranean red, batard, confit fois, brie and gouda (nearly France) made for a nice piqnique and a fitting finish. There is a fair amount of French in the local language and the streets are named (like) Rue Picardi, which was my address, but not like New Caledonia which is full on. Bring on tomorrow - THIS is travel!Read more

  • Day 4

    Beachtime

    October 5, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Nicer run this morning then baguette and jam. Another cruise ship heading in so my plan to be away from Port Vila is a good one! Earlier checkout tomorrow as Air Vanuatu has brought forward my flight by an hour - for my convenience. I had a little battle changing my transfer but finally found a way that didn't involve speaking to anyone! I then went down to reception to pay my bill. I went early because my main travel money is in my Qantas Travel Money card. It was declined yesterday at the restaurant so I didn't want any surprises tomorrow morning. Of course it was declined again so I had to use my CC which will have huge fees. The card worked beautifully in Singapore?? I tried to ring the international issue line but the message from the Vanuatu 'operator' was "you are not allowed to make this call" I was getting a little frustrated so went to the beach! So easy - cross the road from the hotel-find a space for the van to pull over, wait a minute, put your hand out and a B bus stops. Tell the driver where you want to go and he takes you (and others) to the door of their choosing. This was a 20 minute trip with 3 stops and bang - to the front door. All for 150VT ($2). The Breakas Resort was everything it said on the tin -sandy beach, infinity pool, bar and food. Very windy today but this place is a little sheltered. Beautifully sunny and warm with crystal clear water. Good job I brought my reef shoes as the coral came all the way into the beach.
    Spent the morning on the beach lounge then sojurned to the bar for a Tusker and a feed. I was tempted yesterday by the raw fish salad so it was a no brainier today. Real Raro memories where it was very similar with added coconut milk - our visit to Cooks was so long ago (don't mention the mountain). Beautiful lunch and a tip top excursion to round out my short trip to PV
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  • Day 3

    Downtown PV

    October 4, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    Up at a civilised hour but before the crowds. A difficult run on roads without footpaths- I will go another way tomorrow. Even so - it was hilly and warm and did the job. A much brighter day today but still windy. Buffet brekkie goes with the room so baguette with jam (hello Kerry) is the go. A walking morning- I wanted to see the National Museum, downtown Port Vila, the markets and whatever. The museum was ok but needs some love. The outdoor handicrafts market can be missed while the indoor one was much better. The Central Marche was excellent- beautifully presented produce. The food hall was not enticing with everything one should avoid when eating on the street. I had a lunch in view so not an issue. I bought the obligatory stubby holders, t shirt, fridge magnets (for me and my hairdresser!) and chillies. Didn’t they look (and taste) a picture. Back to my digs via an AMAZING Thai iced coffee. A bit of a breather then back down the hill to the highly recommended Waterfront Restaurant. Great position. Don’t usually have steak at lunch (rarely anytime) but Vanuatu Beef has a huge reputation so I thought - I am not here long and.. French wine is cheaper than Australian wine and the choice is better. The steak was excellent- truly - it was also HUGE, However - this was a must do in a prime spot. Waddled back up the hill to my digs and then to the pool for some sunshine. Dinner will be very light with tomorrow a day planned at a beach resort. Rang up to arrange a day pass at a lux beach resort that appears to have a lovely beach/pool/restaurants as per Kerry’s great idea in Choeng Mon. Catch a local B van for 150 VT ($2) - can’t go wrong!! A very relaxing day planned. This place is a very friendly and laid back spot.Read more

  • Day 2

    BNE - VLI …..Back of the bus

    October 3, 2023 in Vanuatu ⋅ 🌬 24 °C

    My word - seat 29A! I remember very well the last time I was seated in the very back row. It was the day after the Port Arthur massacre - a flight back to Hobart from Maroochydore. I had been in Port Arthur just the week before…horrible time. There sure are no Qantas considerations- I didn’t even get an isle seat. Hopefully I get a view coming out/in. Glass half full - just about to take off and I am alone in the row of three- I will take this! Flying now — half the battle!
    Now arrived - sultry but VERY windy and looking like it could rain at any minute. The drive in from the airport was very Koh Samui. Lots of garages and small shops. On first impressions - everywhere is a little tired and clearly the economy is not booming. The main street meanders around a picturesque harbour. The hotel is more than adequate but here I wish I hadn’t been given top floor. Only 3 floors but stairs - brought back Haig St Kirra memories!! Nice balcony overlooking the pool. There is a pool bar with a cocktail person! Did the obligatory hike to a marche for some local beer to ‘welkam’ myself to Port Vila. Dinner is a little while away yet and I am hesitant to rush into the first place I see
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  • Day 67

    Last Day in Vanuatu

    March 27 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    I got up and checked out of the motel, and finally collected my laundry which was air drying over night. I think they mixed up who’s was who’s cause they thought I had a heavy pair of jeans that wasn’t dry yet, but in the end I got my own clothes back lol.

    I was able to leave my bag behind the front desk for the day, as my flight wasn’t till almost 6pm. I went back to the roadside place for a breakfast of pork brisket which was very yummy.
    Walked around and used the last of my cash (other than 10000VT that I was saving to exchange in New Caledonia) on some groceries/snacks for later.

    Right as it started raining, I caught a bus up to the airport, a good 4 hours early haha. It was pouring rain but thankfully I stayed dry. I took the extra time to pack up the pochette for travel, and fold and pack my newly clean laundry. I got my backpack all setup for a checked bag and checked in. Very unique boarding pass for Air Calédonie. Also this airport has some of the most aesthetically pleasing signs for the check in counters. They’re all the same, and show the tail of the airline and the flight number in the same font, over the colour of the airline.

    Air Calédonie is New Caledonia’s domestic airline, but they also fly to and from Port Vila. I booked it through Aircalin, their international airline, cause they have a codeshare for this flight. But another little ATR-72 and a new airline!

    Saw a beautiful sunset over the clouds, goodbye Vanuatu! I liked Vanuatu but it definitely wasn’t without its turmoils. Very kind people, but definitely felt a bit like they see tourists as money machines. Not insincere, but not as unconditionally welcoming as Tonga felt, and definitely I didn’t feel like I blended in as much as in Fiji. Very good beef, and cool nature.
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  • Day 65

    The Australian Consulate

    March 25 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    As my passport photo is somewhat faded from water damage, I figured I’d stop by the Australian High Commission to ask about info on emergency passports and whatnot. The Canadian passport says to visit an Australian or British consulate when there is no Canadian one.

    I got up, and got some food at a little roadside place just past the motel. With just a sign on the road saying “open for lunch” it was run by a lady and her son, and I got a plate of beef stirfry and rice for only 700VT. Yummy!

    I then caught a bus to the Australian Commission, which took some explaining from the other people in the bus to the driver as to where it was.

    It was cool to see all the signs with Canadian flags saying they provide consular service to Canadians. High security, had to sign in and get walked up to the reception. Waited there until someone cane to help me. Nice to wait in a modern air conditioned building haha. They were conducting interviews for a new secretary position while I was there

    The gist is that it really depends on the airlines, whether they let me through or not. I figure it’s not that bad and I just won’t bring attention to it. Maybe I’ll get an emergency passport in Tokyo where there is a Canadian consulate. She also said that it would take ages to get a new passport here in Vanuatu as they basically just act as a post office to the consulate in Canberra. So they would just fill out the forms but not print the passport there. My flight to New Caledonia is in a few days so I’ll just hope I can get to Asia without any problems.

    After leaving the consulate, I picked up another free 3 day SIM card and made myself a late lunch of spaghetti and sardines at the motel.

    Going out for a fancy dinner of Vanuatu beef tonight!
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  • Day 65–68

    Pacific Paradise Motel

    March 24 in Vanuatu ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Wow it’s so nice to be back in civilization haha. I booked a private room in a motel in the city for only CA$29 a night and it was so nice to have my own private space. This only thing it was missing was AC but I had my own bathroom and shower and kitchen and fridge. Luxury haha. I chilled the first evening, bought some dinner at the grocery store next door and had a nice long shower with warm water after three days of basically camping.

    So nice to enjoy a bug free sleep. Definitely stuff in the room, but with the fan going it’s not too bad
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