Hi
from Clare, 14- 2019 Port Vila, Heading for Home 16th
November 2019
When
we last wrote Eye Candy was at the island of Ambrym and we were
waiting for a favourable wind to sail 110 miles south to Port Vila.
A GREAT SAIL
On
6th November we left Ambrym at 5am in a light easterly
breeze with the intention of sailing 70 miles south to the island of
Epi. Much to our delight the wind co operated and came around to the
north east and we sailed the 110 miles to Port Vila on a flat sea. It
was the perfect sail to end what has been a very enjoyable sailing
season in Vanuatu. We arrived in the well lit harbour of Port Vila
at 1am, what a ride.
Since
then we have been very busy getting the boat ready to store at the
Port Vila boat yard for the cyclone season. We have fare welled our
various cruising friends as they set off for either Australia or
New Zealand. We are one of the few boats left here, so I guess this
year, we turn the lights out.
NOT ALL WORK
Yesterday
we took the afternoon off and visited the Vanuatu National Museum. We are so glad we did this after visiting a number of the islands and
remote villages. Our appreciation for the Museum’s displays and
artefacts was greatly enhanced by our exposure to the Vanuatu culture
over the last few months. Our guide at the museum is a chief of one
of the villages on Pentecost Island and when not working at the
museum, goes home regularly.
 |
| Vanuatu National Museum |
He
did some Vanuatu sandroing (sand drawing) for us. These are
geometric figures drawn in a continuous line without lifting the
finger. The drawings date back to pre European education and are used
to leave messages, explain concepts and teach children. The drawings
are often accompanied by stories or song. In the photo below, our
guide drew and explained the tradition of land diving. This is done
by building a high bamboo tower, tying a vine to the ankles and then
diving off. We are looking forward to seeing this tradition in
June/July May next year when we return to Vanuatu.
 |
| Sandroing - Land Diving Tower |
We
had a tour of the Museum and our guide explained the purpose of the
various face masks, head dresses, tam tam (drums) and other items we
have seen in our travels. The guide then played some traditional
music on a percussion instrument and ended with the Australian
National Anthem,; see photo below.
 |
| Tam Tam (Village drums) |
On
Tuesday we are storing the boat in a steel cradle in the Port Villa
boat yard. This cradle will be fastened down to steel rings in the
ground. We will have a few more days work before flying home on
Friday 22nd November for five months. We are looking
forward to catching up with family and friends and also to returning
to Vanuatu next year to continue our adventure.
Love
Candy xx
