Starfish in the Lagoon

We found this starfish while kayaking in the lagoon. It has many spikes on it but they are not too sharp.

We put the starfish back in the water where we found it.

Kayaking on Erakor Lagoon

I went kayaking on the lagoon with my dad, uncle and cousin.

We paddled against the current first, then floated all the way back with a light current and wind behind us.

Erakor Lagoon is salt water and fed from the Pacific Ocean. There is a reef where the lagoon starts.

Uncle Steve and ni-Vanuatu on Ifira Island

Most homes on the island are made of wood with tin roofs. Some are made of tin, like in the photo. Only a few were made with concrete.

Pigs on Ifira Island

There are pigs and chickens and dogs and cats and birds and other creatures loose on the island.

These pigs were digging in the sand looking for huge worms (about an inch thick).

Mommy and Local Kid on Ifira Island

Mommy was talking to Paulo and other kids as we walked around the island.

Paulo gave us very nice shells that he found on the beach. There were many colourful shells laying around.

Some Local Kids on Ifira Island

We met some very nice local ni-Vanuatu kids as we were walking around Ifira Island. This photo shows a few of them.

Some kids on the island go to French school and others study in English.

Boat to Ifira Island (November 1, 2007)

We went to Ifira Island again today by boat. The picture shows the kind of boat and the number of people who are sometimes on the boat.

The ride from Port Vila to Ifira Island takes 15 to 20 minutes each way.

Try to count the number of people on the boat?

Dinner at Charlie and Barbara's Home

We are visiting with our new friends Barbara and Charlie.

One or two of us in the photo are sleeping, and others are pretending. Can you guess who is really sleeping?

Peanuts at the Market

These are raw peanuts.

I ate some in the park with my mom and dad. They taste good.

Pineapples at the Market

This local ni-Vanuatu lady is shopping for a pineapple.

There are also fresh papayas on the table, and other fruits.

Raspberries and Beans at the Market

These are raspberries and string beans.

There are many other kinds of fruits and vegetables at the market.

These raspberries cost 300 Vatu or about $3 for the bucket of fruit.

Coconuts at the Market

These are coconuts with the husk off.

You need a bush knife to crack the shell.

Lettuce at the Market

I am beside the lettuce in the merket.

Yams at the Market

These are yams.

They are wrapped in a carrier they made from a palm leaf split in half and then woven.

Live Crabs at the Market

These are live land crabs, called coconut crabs.

The cost is 300 Vatu (VT) or about $3.

My dad saw two crossing the road the other night.

Market in Port Vila, Vanuatu

At the main market in town.

Farmers and fisherman come from all over the island to sell their goods here. Everything is fresh.

Some people stay (and sleep) at their table for a week until all their products are sold.

Meeting New Friends

We went to a village on Ifira Island and met some local ni-Vanuatu (people born in Vanuatu).

We visited

"Aunty Leibebe" and "Uncle Tabala".

I attended Sunday School, and my parents were in a study circle.

Local Adventure

We had fun taking a boat ride to Ifira Island, close to Efate Island (Port Vila).

It cost 100 vatu (local money) or about $1 per adult, and children are free.

Dinner at "Aunty E's"

Last night we had dinner at "Aunty E" and Tony's house.

We had a good time.