Reception at Pele Island, Vanuatu

We stayed with a host family for three days, from August 1-3. Our host was the Small Chief of the village (his father is the Big Chief) and his family. We were warmly welcomed by the village.

Independence Day – July 30

“Happy Independence Day!” On July 30, 1980 Vanuatu formed its own government and gained independence from England and France. We attended a large celebration in Independence Park, Port Vila. The Vanuatu President and Prime Minister made speeches, there was a marching band, a military solute, raising of the flag, and celebration.

Hanging Laundry in our new Backyard

Mommy is hanging wet clothes on the clothes line in our backyard.

“Leonard” the Gecko

There are at least 5 or 6 geckos living in our house. This one is named Leonard by the previous house occupants, Peter and June from England. Peter told me if I leave my knife on the breakfast table with jam on it Leonard will come and lick the jam. I don’t think I’ll try it.

Meet “Tiger” my new Pet Cat

We moved to a three bedroom house on July 24. I was so happy to find a beautiful small female cat sitting on the steps waiting for me. She is a local community cat, and she lives outside at our house. We bring Tiger in and I play with her all the time. Tiger caught a mouse outside and brought part of it back to our house to show me.

Cruise Ship at Sunrise (July 24, 2008)

At 6:55 a.m. a cruise ship arrived in Port Vila. The island at the back of the ship is Ifira Island and at the front is Efate Island where it will dock for the day in Port Vila.

First full day in Vanuatu (July 23, 2008)

I woke up at 4:00 a.m. in the morning and was ready to play, but it was too early. This is a photo of me looking out the bedroom window at 8:10 a.m. just before we went out.

Arrival at Hotel in Port Vila, Vanuatu

We were warmly welcomed at the airport by Wycliff, and Payman a family friend. We went directly to our hotel to drop off luggage, took this photo, then went out right away.

Flight to Vanuatu - July 20, 2008

We left Canada on July 20th, stopped in transit in Hawaii and Fiji, then arrived in Vanuatu on July 22nd. It took 24 hours for the trip, and with the time difference we lost 18 hours.

We met a really nice family in the Vancouver Airport, Dr. Dan, his wife, 7 children plus a friend. Dr. Dan and his family also flew to Vanuatu. They will be serving the people in Vanuatu, on Tanna, for six months. Some of the family are above, pictured in the Fiji Airport.

The Final Vacation Photo!

We made it home to North Vancouver safely.

I had a great trip to Vanuatu with my parents.

I want to go to Vanuatu again.

On the Laptop in the Fiji Airport

We first flew from Port Vila, Vanuatu to Nadi, Fiji. Then from Fiji to Los Angeles, U.S. Then from LA to Vancouver, Canada.

It took us about 26 hours to travel from door to door.

Saying Bye to Family and Friends

It was difficult to say bye to my family and friends in Vanuatu.

This picture shows Uncle Steve, Aunty Carren, Erin and Quentin waving bye at the airport.

Leaving Vanuatu

We left the Vanuatu International Airport in Port Vila on Tuesday, November 27, 2007.

I did not want to leave.

Cooked Land Crabs

Our friend Robin cooked two pots of fresh crabs. They tasted very good.

Guess what we ate for lunch?

We ate live land crabs after they were cooked.

To hold a live land crab you need to hold the body down by pushing its back to the ground from behind. Then pinch one of the claws together then pinch the other claw together or the crab may pinch you.

Banana Tree Leaf

Banana tree leaves are very large.

Local ni-Vanuatu people use the leaves for many things. The leaves are used to wrap food, as place mats at the dinner table, as an umbrella in the rain, and as an umbrella in the hot sun.

Exploring Erakor Lagoon by Kayak

We went around Erakor Lagoon with kayaks. We took them in areas that had hundreds of mangrove trees growing along the water shore. We saw a lot of creatures like crabs, fish, starfish, jelly fish, spiders in trees and birds.

Snorkelling at Hideaway Island

The snorkelling was excellent. We saw many different kinds of fish and coral.

Hideaway Island also has the world's only underwater post office. The post office is under the floating dock in this picture and is 9 feet under water. People mail waterproof postcards.

Hideaway Island

We went to Hideaway Island one afternoon to snorkel. It is a small island with bungalows for tourists.

The boat ride only takes a few minutes.

More Local Kids

Me and my cousins with local kids in the village.

Playing with Local Kids

I always have fun playing with other kids on the beach.

Another Boat Ride

We have taken many boat rides in Vanuatu to visit local islands.

President of Vanuatu at FIFA World Cup Qualifier

The President of Vanuatu attended the soccer game. He shook hands with all the players. He sat four rows in front of us in the grand stand. In this picture he is the man in the middle of the photo with a beard and glasses. A personal body goard was sitting right behind him. Everyone in this area had their bags checked for weapons before entering.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifier - Vanuatu vs NZ

I went to the soccer game with my dad, my friend Stuart, his dad, Mitch and Lynn.

On many days I went swimming with Stuart and his sister Brooke.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifier - Vanuatu vs NZ

On November 17, 2007 I saw a World Cup qualifier soccer game in Port Vila. It was Vanuatu against the New Zealand All Whites. Vanuatu players have the yellow, red and green shirts. New Zealand players have white shirts.

New Zealand won 2 to 1 in a close game.