Paradise Cove

Another great surprise in the early days was a visit to a place called Paradise Cove. We all felt in an adventurous mood and decided to visit a place unknown,no recommendations and based on no logic whatsoever. After travelling down another famous dirt and hole filled road with Jacquie continually advising us to turn back because we must have taken the wrong road and the bus driver having no idea,we stumbled across this beautiful place called Paradise Cove. It was one of those gems that appear from nowhere and have you continually in awe of its beauty. It has about 8 bungalows, two restaurants and a pretty little beach. Behind is a magnificent view of the harbour and the beauty of Vila revealed for all to see. I am sure it will become a favourite snorkelling spot with the occasional beverage. If the kids behave we might even take them there at xmas (their shout of course)?

Vanwods visits Sandalwoods

Shortly after arriving we held a barbeque at our home for all the people I work with. In total there are thirteen staff with the vast majority of the female persuasion. Nationalities vary with 2 Australians, 1 Phillipino and 10 ni Vanuatu staff. The barbeque also had a mixture of food with the traditional aussie sausages combined with curries, rice, chicken wings, lap lap and salads. Most people brought a dish with them and at the end of the night everyone cleaned up and split the leftover food. It was great not having to clean up a big mess after everyone left( or the next morning). Just in case you were wondering we did consume some kava and tuskers. Everyone behaved except one person helped feed the garden. Good one chuckie!!!!!

Sandalwood Apartments

Our humble home for the next 12 months is called the Sandalwood apartments. They consist of 16 two bedroom apartments with most of the comforts of home. Many of the people living here are also volunteers and the social interaction is great. The view from the front door is spectacular overlooking the golf course of Le Lagon and Erakor island in the background.

Welcome to Vanuatu raceday

Our first weekend in Vanuatu was highlighted by the annual raceday at Mele. Slightly different to Australia but very enjoyable. Courtesy of the Australian High Commissioner our first "official" volunteer activity was at a day at the races with free food and drink. What a great way to start our journey. The photo shows all the AVI group that travelled across together and have continued to remain in close contact. From the left we have Cheryl and Ron (Central Coast people), Lois, Gail, Trevor, The Boss and myself. Briefly Cheryl works with Youth Challenge, Ron a teacher at Malapoa, Lois (the better half of Trevor), Gail working in Santo on a similar project to Jacquie.

All are wonderful people who have been great company over the first few months. Jacquie said I had to put that comment in but I will give you the facts at a later time after a few drinks. For example, Lois behaved that poorly at the races she was deported beck to Mexico (Melbourne) shortly afterwards. Not actually true but it makes a good story.

Jacquie at work

These two shots show the Nutrition Centre and Jacquies' counterparts (Emily and Lewaisi) . They are receiving many compliments about their work and more people are eating at the centre daily. The Mamas and children attending the lectures are doing a great job also. Personally I can't see what all the fuss is about. Jacquie has been feeding me these meals for 26 years and look what happened to me!

Anyway she loves the work environment and is enjoying herself at work. Next week her sister Traecey arrives from Australia with her family and we will probably all be vegetarians for the week. Lets wait and see the reaction from the ni- Vanuata people??

Our Vanuatu Home!

We finally arrived in Vanuatu and were pleasantly surprised by some wonderful accommodation. As you can see by the picture, life on an island can be pretty difficult. Most of the people we have met have been really wonderful and we have been attending many social events which we will show in more detail in separate blogs.

We must thank Troy for his help in setting up the blog because us "old people are just too slow". His bride of one week "Carly Farley" was no where to be seen and we expect already hiding from her better half? Jacquie did her normal exemplary supervisory role. What would we have done without her?? Ron supplied the photo or I could lie and say Jacquie or myself took this amazing sunset.

We must also thank old man tusker (beer) and Mr Half mile creek (red wine) who also contributed in a big way. Their work is shown in a later blogspot which must be viewed by only broad minded individuals. I told them not to put that sort of material in a family magazine but they wouldn't listen. It is time for a little bit of maturity guys!!!

Some of our activities to date follow so have a look and see what you think!!