Vanuatu (Part 2)

It’s now Saturday, so I haven’t done a great job of doing any updates for most of the trip. In fact I’ve spend a surprisingly and refreshingly small amount of time in front of my computer. I have watched some TV shows on my iPad, but I’m pretty sure that counts as relaxation.

Let’s go back to Tuesday. Just before my flight was due to board I found an ATM and then got ripped off by the currency exchange people – I got VT6k for just under $100. By comparison the xe rate would have be at about VT8500. I guess that’s why the currency conversion place didn’t charge fees! I know the airport is a bad place to get currency (at least exchange rate wise), but the lead up to this trip was pretty rushed and I felt it would be prudent to have some cash. Anyhow, we boarded, not business this time, but I can’t complain about 4C with the whole 3 seats on my side to myself! I elected for no food and coffee. But I think I still dosed for a decent portion of the trip. I watched some of the Taylor Swift documentary but a lot of it’s a blur.

Immigration was quick and easy – Vanuatu is one of the countries that still does stamps, so I actually have a stamp in my passport now! As promised, the driver was waiting with a sign with my name on it. It was a slightly shorter drive that I thought, it took less than 15 minutes to get to the hotel. Meaning all said and done I was at the hotel pretty close to 1pm from memory. My room was ready which was nice. It gave me time to get in, get unpacked (I actually used the draws, which I almost never do) and rest for a moment before I dialled in for our Camping Ground review meeting.

The accommodation is nice. As I’m typing this, I’m sitting out on the back deck, looking over the ocean and sipping on a Pacific Island Ice Tea, I’m thankful for the blessings. I think I got the lowest quality room, in terms of view and amenities but it’s more than adequate for what I need. I liked the idea of having a kitchenette, but in hindsight I’ve used the kettle and the fridge – many hotels have these. I like the location, despite the fact that is is a bit out of Port Vila itself. I love the convenience of the Pool Bar and the food. The rooms are comfortable, albeit with too many bugs but I think that’s the climate. The internet is starlink and decently fast, even if I do get occasional instances of drop out. I digress. There are photos below.

The rest of Tuesday wasn’t much. Meeting. Nap. Dinner at the Beach Bar. Sleep. Holiday = started. Well this got long, silly me thinking I’d cover the whole holiday in one post! If you made it this far, well done – you get photos!