Vanuatu
The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu comprises more than 80 islands that stretch over 800 miles. Two years ago, we visited one of them- Mystery Island. This year we are at Efate Island, in the town of Port Vila, the capital and economic hub of the country.
Water based activities are exceedingly popular here: Kayaking, snorkeling, strolling the beach, glass bottom boat rides, semi-submersible reef experiences, and something called an “aqua quad” which is an ATV-like water vehicle. There are also dive wrecks scattered throughout the islands. And of course, cultural villages to visit, markets to shop, and gardens, museums and parks to stroll.
A busy main street in front of our tender landing was bustling with shoppers. There were two large markets a short walk in either direction from the pier.
We were in a strolling mood today and were happy to find a well shaded promenade along the water with lovely views back to the ship and across the lagoon. It only lasted about one third of a mile before turning into sand and gravel. We ventured uphill for a few blocks to get a geocache, then decided to return to the cooler shore. We relaxed in the shade and passed through the markets before returning to the ship.
Tonight was our first of three Group Canaletto Dinners for our Cruise Specialists guests. We had a wonderful Italian style meal in great company with lively conversation and some nice wines. The Grilled Sea Bass, Parmesan Chicken and Braised Short Ribs were the popular choices. We love the opportunity to get our guests together so they can meet each other and make new friends.
Solomon Islands
New Country alert- number 101. We’re in the Solomon Islands, made up of over 1,000 small and six larger islands. We are on one of the large ones- Guadalcanal, in the Capital City of Honiara.
Guadalcanal is the site of a pivotal World War II campaign in 1942-43. Major sites such as Henderson Field and Bloody Ridge are available to visit. High up overlooking the city and the sound is the US Guadalcanal War Memorial. Carved marble panels tell the story of the various battles, and clearly describe the casualties of men, ships and planes on both sides. The stately tall memorial column honors those who fought.
We took a taxi to the memorial and decided to walk down the steep road to get some feel for where the locals live. It was a sobering walk with wrecked cars, and small shacks in disrepair. The good news is the people we met were so friendly and seemingly happy. Everyone said hello or good morning. Today was Sunday so many were in their best dresses and shirts for church. And the churches we passed were overflowing. The services were broadcast on loudspeakers for those sitting or standing on the lawn.
We also took a stroll through the Solomon Islands National Museum just down the road from the pier. We enjoyed the statues and murals on display as we walked through the gardens.
Papua New Guinea
Over 800 languages are spoken by the nearly 12 million people who live here, mostly in rural settings. There are active volcanoes inland, which pose a continuing threat.
There are some significant World War II sites here and remnants of the Japanese occupation. Places like the Japanese War Memorial, the Bitapaka War Cemetery, the Kokopo War Museum, and Admiral Yamamoto’s Bunker are all reminders of the costs of war.
We docked today in the small city of Rabaul. Small tour vans are lined up, and local operators are anxious to take us on 4 or 5-hour tours. We negotiated for a much shorter and less expensive journey, which included a driver, guide and escort. It turned out to be perfect, with Tony, Pat, and Paul all speaking some English and happy to take us wherever we wanted for 2 hours. Paul seemed to be strictly a protective guard, staying close by whenever we stopped or wandered from our vehicle.
The Volcanological Observatory is a popular destination as it has fabulous views down to the harbor and interesting information about past eruptions, the last being in 1994. There is also some colorful artwork created by a local art project team. Painted posters and other objects like an old artfully painted rowboat add to the atmosphere.
The observatory is up a long, steep hill. We saw some fellow passengers walking up, which was very strenuous in this heat and humidity. On our drive up, we saw the remains of caves, where Japanese troops hid during the war. The views were awesome, as was the geocache we found at the top. Country #102 for us!
The street approaching the port was filled with vendors selling local crafts, brightly colored and patterned clothing, and all sorts of jewelry. We did see fellow passengers who made their way out of the muddy port to wander here, but we were happy to be driven right back to the ship.
Alotau, Papua New Guinea
Stop 2 in Papua New Guinea is another small port called Alotau, in the township of Milne Bay. We are on the far southeast tip of mainland Papua New Guinea. The facilities here seem limited, judging by how few shore tours were offered: a village visit, a cooking class at a lodge, and a long ride out to a remote resort for snorkeling and cave exploration.
There is more World War II history here, especially relating to the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay - marking one of the first land-based defeats of the Japanese forces.
Since it was especially hot and humid today and we had no plans, we decided to stay onboard and catch up on our paperwork. We were able to watch some local dancers on the pier, follow local boaters in the nearby waters, and take in the views of the not-too-distant peaks.
Kiriwana Island
Stop 3 in Papua New Guinea is Kiriwana Island. It is the largest and most populated of the Trobriand Islands, a site of US occupation during World War II.
Beaches are popular here. The ship is moored quite close to shore, so we were able to clearly see some of the beaches and the lush foliage from the deck. It is a tender port, and no shore tours are offered. However, passengers have been invited to watch a local cricket match this morning or a dance performance by some local children. Local artists, craftspeople and merchants will be out in great numbers selling what are advertised as locally made products. Wood carving is the specialty.
We’ve been given a map of places of interest like the village of Togaku, known for its shell adorned yam house. Yams are the most important crop and a symbol of wealth here. Other places mentioned include the Omarakana Yam House, the Kalopa Burial Cave, and Kaileuna Island.
We will spend the next month in Australia and have some exciting adventures planned. Stay tuned.
First stop, Cairns!
Fondly,
Wendy and Steve
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