Brisbane Airport Carpark

The first thing that Geraldo saw of Brisbane was the multistory airport carpark. It was evening so the carpark was all lit up and looking quite dazzling. Geraldo was amazed. He said he had never seen so many beautiful cars! When we got to our car he had to have a photo taken with it straight away.

Through the Arrival gates

There was great relief all round when Geraldo walked through the arrival gates and a big thrill also to see our young friend again! He had made friends with a young Ni-Van couple on the plane who also seemed as relieved as everybody else. They exchanged details and then we were on our way!

Arriving at Brisbane Airport

This was Geraldo's first international flight and his first overseas trip and he was feeling very nervous about whether we were going to be at the airport to pick him up. As communication had been a little difficult before he left we were also worried that he wasn't going to walk through arrival gates.

Geraldo's Christmas Holiday

During our visit to Vanuatu we spent five days in Luganville, Espiritu Santo where we met a very special 16 year old Ni-Van boy called Geraldo. We have been penpals ever since and we decided to bring him out to Brisbane, Australia to spend his Christmas holidays with us. We knew it would be a mind blowing experience for Geraldo. Here he is with his Mum waiting for his Air Vanuatu flight at Pekoa Airport.

A Digicel Farewell @ Port Vila Airport

We didn't realise how popular we had become in Vanuatu. We even had a big 'Digicel' farewell!! My camera work's a bit shaky but it was a hilarious end to our holiday.

Island Night in Port Vila

We met up with our new friend to see some traditional dancing at a local hotel. The night started with a String Band which is always infectious and is a typical Vanuatu sound but I was hanging out to see some Kastom dancing. These Banks Islanders gave us a fantastic show but I thought we were going to see a variety of dancing from different islands and when they finished so did the show.

Port Vila Wharf

We were heading back to the hotel and as I was taking this photo of the wharf an Aussie was about to walk passed and block my view. So he stopped and we chatted for ages. He had been building some bungalows on Paama Island and working with the Ni-Vans there to set up a small resort. He invited us to join him at an Island Dance night at a local resort. We decided as it was our last night in Port Vila it would be fun so we arranged to meet up later.

Sleepy Port Vila

Everything pretty much closes on Saturday afternoon in Port Vila and it changes from the hustle and bustle to a sleepy little town. The supermarkets are still open but the beer and alcohol is either locked up or covered with cloth.

Band in Independence Park

As we crossed Independence Park we stopped and watched a young band play for awhile. These kids were born in Vanuatu but were studying music in Australia.

A Pirate Adventure in Port Vila

We wandered along the harbour where the Cassiopeia was getting ready to set sail. These lucky kids were getting ready for a pirate adventure.

Women's Market, Port Vila

We headed to the Women's Market and passed a group of Ni-Vans playing bowls. I ended up at stall 13 which is Stella's stall. I had bought some things from her the last time I was in Port Vila and she remembered me.I purchased a beautiful basket from Pentecost Island from her and the perfect Mother Hubbard dress which I wanted to take home for my daughter.

Cargo Ship Port Vila

As we reached the harbour we noticed a gathering of Ni-Vans at the harbour awaiting to board a cargo ship. It was probably going to Tanna Island. This is one of the common ways to get from island to island in Vanuatu.

The Sebel, Port Vila

It was our last day in Port Vila and we had a bit of last minute shopping to do. It was Saturday and we knew most of the shops would close about midday so we headed into town. Our route took us past the Australian High Commission and then down some steps and to the harbour. Vanuatu's only multistory building sits right there blocking out the views of the harbour. There is only one elevator in Vanuatu and of course it is at the Sebel. I guess this hotel would be a bit of 'civilisation' for the Expats living in Vanuatu but I can't imagine why you would want to stay there if you were a tourist and wanting to get a real taste of Vanuatu.

Inside the Cultural Centre

I love browsing around the Cultural Centre. Each island in Vanuatu has a range of different Kastoms so it is one place you can get to see the variety of culture that this country has to offer.

Vanuatu Cultural Centre

As we got to the entrance of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre we could see some Sandroing being taught. Sand drawing is done on the central islands of Vanuatu such as Maewo, Pentecost, Ambae and Ambrym.
Certain patterns are drawn in the sand and the whole design is completed without stopping.

Wan Smolbag Theatre Festival

There was a large banner advertising the Wan Smolbag Theatre Festival. Obviously some of the events were to be held at the Chief's Nakamal but because of the Paramount Chief's sudden death it had to be moved. A pity as we were staying so close it would have been fun to have caught up with some of the events.

Chief's Nakamal, Port Vila

The Chief's Nakamal is a huge traditional fare (far- eh). There was hardly anybody around when we got there. There was a cooking area set up with a few people still hanging out. I guess there must have been food laid out for the funeral but it it was all pretty much over by the time we meandered by.

Pikininis of Port Vila

Frank pointed out how to get up the hill using the shortcut and as we walked by a bunch of pikininis were running around and when they turned around and saw me taking their photo they gave us the big thumbs up which all the kids seem to use in Vanuatu. Ni-Van children are the happiest, friendliest kids in the world I have found out and so unspoilt.

Seaside Green Lite Nakamal

As we had to walk past the kava bar that we had been observing from our hotel room. Every morning we watched as fresh green kava roots were placed on top of a roof in the Nakamal. Apparently the roots are then put through a meat grinder and then strained through a cloth. In Vanuatu it is customary to spit after consuming kava. Hence the coughing and spitting we would hear all night while kava was being consumed below our hotel room window. We met a really nice fellow called Frank who suggested we come back about 4pm to try a couple of shells. Sounded good to us.