Vanuatu (2019)
Vanutu is one of the countries I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to that not many people outside of Oceania are familiar with. Our desire to see blue holes- clear blue water holes in the forests (similar to cenotes in Mexico and Central America, but without the spiritual component) - brought us here, to Espiritu Santo specifically. Espiritu Santo has more blue holes than any other island in the world.
A Melanesian island nation (made up of many islands) in the South Pacific that gained its independence in the 1990’s, Vanutu is a beautiful country with warm people. I can’t wait to return.
We traveled here on a joint trip to Vanuatu and Fiji in summer of 2019. We explored the islands of Espiritu Santo as mentioned above and the island of Efate (where the capitol Port Villa is located).
Favorite memories include:
Swimming in the many blue holes, one of which we kayaked to and from to reach - a workout to say the least!
Walking on roads through coconut tree farms where cows (used by the Japanese for waygu) were free grazing - just my husband and and I passing occasional multi-generational families tending to their coco trees or gardens.
Hiking, swimming, and singing at the Mele Cascades - ice cold water, but worth it.
Eating coconut crab twice.
Seeing this gorgeous cat above at one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen - Champagne Beach. That water! No filter or editing was done to the photo.
Seeing the pride in the people for their gorgeous land and their independence.
The kindness of the bed and breakfast staff at our first overnight to relocate us to a friend’s empty cottage when the room’s electricity and water went out.
