Hi
from Clare, 9-2019 Settling into Port Vila Vanuatu 18th
September 2019
We
extended our Visa in Fiji and waited an extra three weeks to get a
good weather window to sail the four day trip to Port Vila Vanuatu.
It was well worth the wait as you can see from the short video below.
Our Perfect Sail
RAIN
RAIN GO AWAY
Upon
arrival we moored to the wharf at Yachting World Marina and spent the
next two days getting phone and Internet access after numerous trips
to both Digicell and TVL.
It
rained solidly for the next three days, not a good start for a new
location. It didn’t stop us from venturing out with umbrellas and
wet weather gear.
 |
| First few days in Port Villa |
We
went exploring once the sun came out and saw Parliament House, The
Convention Centre, a low security goal and we watched girls teams
playing a Rugby League match.
 |
| Parliament House |
 |
| The Convention Centre |
 |
| The Convention Centre Entrance |
 |
| Low Security Goal |
GETTING
TO KNOW YOU
We
didn’t know what to expect in Vanuatu and to all reports it sounded
less developed than Fiji. However we have found Port Vila to be very
progressive with good shopping.. Both the supermarkets and the local
fresh food market are excellent. We can get everything we want
easily. A nice change from having to fossick around and buy things
when you see them in case we don’t get another opportunity. In
particular, the good quality beef, French cheese and baguettes are a
welcomed change.
 |
| Local Fresh Market |
A
GOOD FEELING
Went
went over to the Boat Yard in Port Vila where we will leave Eye Candy
in November for the cyclone season before flying home. It was very
pleasing to see the yard nestled at the foot of a mountain with
substantial trees on all sides. The yard itself is fairly basic but
it has good steel cradles and heavy tie down chains fixed to the
ground. During the last cyclone there was no damage to boats on
cradles in this yard. After our visit we are happy and reassured
that Eye Candy will be safe. We realise of course that there are no
guarantees, but it is a risk we are prepared to take.
 |
| The steel cradles in the boatyard |
WHAT
A SURPRISE
The
yard doesn’t supply dehumidifies so upon advice we set off to find
Wilco Hardware. We flagged down a mini bus and after paying the $1.50
fee the driver took us out of town to the industrial area and dropped
us at Wilco Hardware which was every bit as good if not better than
our Bunnings. The industrial area was quite a shock, many of the big
name stores and car yards were represented. Unfortunately we did not
get a dehumidifier but Martie at the boat yard who recommended Wilco
said she will continue the hunt for us.
 |
| Wilco Hardware |
 |
| The Industrial Area |
TAKE
A LOOK
Andrew
has been helping a fellow yachtie with his radio which has not been
performing for quite some time. He has been over on his boat a few
times and so yesterday I went for a walk with the camera along the
waterfront and around town. The water front is lovely with a good
walkway, gardens, playgrounds for children, coffee shops, bars and al
fresco dining. There is a traditional building with a comprehensive
display our local arts and crafts and I came upon the tail end of
what looked like a Master Chef competition. There was a large crowd
dispersing and they were packing up the cameras etc; pity I missed
it.
 |
| The walkway along the waterfront |
 |
A view of the bay at Port Vila
|
 |
| The Art and Craft Centre |
So
far Port Vila has been a wonderful surprise. Good medical and
dental, duty free shopping, many good restaurants and boutique shops,
The local people are very friendly and we feel welcome here.
Tonight we are meeting up with friends at the Yacht Club Bar for
drinks,
SO WHAT’S NEXT
On
Friday we are flying south to the Island of Tanna and spending three
days at the Evergreen Resort. We want to do the Tanna Volcano Tour
and also the Eco Cultural Tour.
But
more about this next time.
Love
Candy xx
