Heading Back

Great view from the top. Nice breeze on a sunny day. Time to go back down.

Local Kids

Having some fun at the top of Pele Island.

At the top of Pele Island

We had an excellent view of many islands in Vanuatu.

Start Walking!

We walked on Pele island from the bottom to the top of the mountain, then back to the ocean on a different route. It took us half a day and was a fun adventure. We were tired at the end.

Pele Island Tour

Willy gave me and my parents a tour of the southern part of Pele Island.

Cooking Over an Open Fire

It takes a long time and a lot of effort to prepare each cooked meal in a local (rural) village.

Dinner "Island Style" on Pele Island

Making dinner at Small Chief Willy and Monique`s home. We stayed with them in their house seen in this photo (August 1-3, 2008). The small house has three bedrooms and a living room. Each room is a little bigger than the size of a double bed. The kitchen is outside.

Marine Protected Area

Several islands in Vanuatu have marine protected areas where no fishing or hunting is permitted. This sign says "Don't Kill Baby Turtles" in a local language called Bislama.

Small Chief Willy on Pele Island

Small Chief Willy [back right], my Dad, and some local kids pose for a photo.

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.