Paul and Jacquie in Vanuatu

John and Jamie return to Canada

2007-07-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Recently our next door neighbours (John and Jamie)completed their journey in Vanuatu and returned to Canada. They have been our neighbours for most of the year and we have visited many places together. Both speak many languages but at times struggled learning Australian. They have also worked in many varied places around the world including Jordan and Eritrea but were looking forward to returning to the cooler weather of Canada. They live in one of our favourite places in the world, Banff, and we will visit them in the years ahead. Good luck guys and please keep trying to learn that very difficult language they call australian!!!

Another Student Graduation

2007-07-23T01:08:00.000-07:00

In May another group of students graduated at the Nutrition Centre and this was the first group that Shirley had completed. It had been a most enjoyable semester with Jacquie, Leiwasei and Shirley combining together and forming a great team. It was also a very special time for Jacquie as shortly afterwards she would leave Wan Smol Bag and return to Australia for a short period. The time at the Nutrition Centre had been tiring but rewarding and now it was time for a new person with different skills to take the reins. Good luck everybody and thanks for all your help.

Happy Birthday Zoe

2007-07-23T00:50:00.001-07:00

Shortly before returning home to Canada our little friend Zoe celebrated her 5th birthday with a small party. The food was unlike any other party we had been to and besides the lollies and fairy bread was actually healthy. Zoe had been wonderful when Tamasin and Leila visited last October and had since become a frequent visitor to our front door. We miss her visits and hope all is well back in Montreal.

Aore resort

2007-07-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

After the conference we headed off to Aore resort located only 20 minutes away by boat. Our intention was for some private time in a peaceful and quiet environment. We obviously forgot to tell the bloke upstairs and he greeted us with a massive earthquake. The official reading was 6.3 but we will both tell you that our little fare' shook the living daylights out of the two of us. Once we relaxed we had another brilliant time at a perfect location that only Vanuatu can continually deliver. We even got to moor our boat out the front.......

AVI conference in Santo

2007-07-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

AVI held their two yearly conference in Santo in April. All the volunteers from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands met and exchanged ideas for three days. Everyone was really happy to be at at decent motel particularly the guys from the Sols who had just endured 72 earthquakes in one week and also a tsunamai. We all thought the best we could do was share some jokes and one or two drinks. Many of the people found time to dive the Coolidge and visit the local hotspots. For us, we thought we had seen enough of Santo in the recent months and were looking forward to some quiet time at Aore resort later in the week.

Farewell Gail

2007-07-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

In February, Gail Luck (blue dress) one of our original AVI crew, finished her assignment and headed back to Australia. Gail had commenced her journey with us and had been doing similar work to Jacquie in Santo. Her work had been completed early and she was returning to a new home on the Gold Coast. Peter, her husband (bottom right)was looking forward to the challenge of new golf courses and the return of his bride. She will be missed here in Vanuatu but at least she got to meet a real live Prince (we think). Good luck (no pun intended) and enjoy your new home.

Back to work and living in Santo

2007-07-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

Work in the early days in Santo was done from my motel room because there was no power in the office. The Unity Park motel was comfortable with a lovely view over Unity Park (hence the motel name). Bathroom facilities were shared but at least the motel was only 50 yards from work. The first task was to verify passbooks from members joining from another savings scheme. This was always going to be really boring so a bed close by could be handy. The security at the local ANZ bank was a concern. The photo shows that someone had stolen the security lock from the door. Interesting times ahead...........

The Family Brains or (Folks are dumb where I come from)

2007-07-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

After our kayak Jacquie decided to be tested by our guide on her ability to watch, listen and learn. They say a picture paints a thousand words so there must be a large book on this one. For what seemed like hours, Jacquie tried to solve the puzzle given to her and despite lots and lots of help darkness was quickly approaching and we departed for home with the puzzle unsolved.

Kayaking the Malo river

2007-07-22T14:56:00.001-07:00

While at Bokissa we went kayaking up Malo river. In reality Jacquie sat in the front and issued instructions on speed(lack of) and changes of direction required to miss trees, bridges etc.......I so enjoy being part of a team!!!!
The river and scenery was absolutely gorgeous and our guide even jumped out of his kayak and caught a fish in his bare hands. Wouldn't it be nice to be young, agile and fit!!! Just another amazing adventure in Vanuatu.

Beautiful Bokissa

2007-07-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Another brilliant place was the island of Bokissa. The resort is the most upmarket in Vanuatu and only caters for small numbers. Unfortunately while we were there they had riots in Vila and it meant Jacquie had to remain for a few extra days. It was extreme hardship but she is always prepared to put her self out for the greater cause. Riots or resort, it wasn't a hard choice even for Jacquie.

Port Olry

2007-07-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

During our initial visit to Santo we visited some of the provincial areas in the north eastern part of the island. One village was called Port Olry and had been established by missionaries many years ago. The area was simply breathtaking and one of those many areas that could be described as "heaven on earth". If we ever go missing this might be an area to check.

Santo Project

2007-07-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

The major project for Paul in Vanuatu was to establish an office on the island of Espiritu Santo. Eventually after seven months in the country we visited Santo in late January. The main street is nice and wide like a country town, the maps are very informative and we were offered a nice little office centraklly located near the markets with Unity park opposite. The inside of the building was full of handicrafts and the outside complete with rust,mould and holes. The challenge had been issued!!!!!

No Mo and Mum revisit Mosso

2007-07-14T23:48:00.000-07:00

We revisited Mosso with our counterparts recently to give them some help with nutrition and micro finance and we again had a wonderful time. The people are always friendly and listen to everything you say. Even the kids and chooks came to find out what the funny man with no lip was saying.

Watch out Hideaway, here they come!

2007-03-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

One of the trips we had when the kids were here was a trip to Hideaway island. Just about everyone we knew ended up at the island and the trip home was interesting. I bet you can't travel like this in Australia!!! We even came across the owners of Sandalwood apartments. Judy swimming and Stuart having a siesta after a big night. Nice pants Stuey.

Good One Chippy

2007-03-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

What would any holiday be like if there wasn't some drama?? In our case it was the baby, " Jess". Out on the town, out of control and out to consume all the alcohol in Vanuatu. Consumed by alcohol and attempting to dance. One wrong move and she face plants the floor. Large hole in the floor, small chip to the front tooth and loss of dignity in another country. No wonder she is planning on heading to Europe or Canada this year.

Le Rendevous

2007-03-30T17:47:00.000-07:00

All good things come to an end and Rebecca and Ryan returned to australia in mid January. To celebrate their trip and also to wish Bec an early happy birthday we all went for a superb dinner at Le Rendevous restaurant. The food was great, cocktails good and the company awesome. We even managed a drink for the champ. Happy Birthday and a safe trip home.

Happy Birchday Bigfella

2007-02-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

The bigfella had his birthday and Jessica flew all the way from Sydney to say she forgot my present. The champ and horses decided it was a good reason to have a drink and Jacquie decided to shave my hair off to try and cover any of the baldspots. 47 and still kicking is wonderful but to be undefeated in golf challenges with "the champ" for over one year is amazing. By the way late birthday presents are still being accepted via PO Box 942

Golf Spectacular

2007-02-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Early in 2007 we all decided to play golf and see if we could actually play any better than previous years. We walked to the lush tropical resort course Le Lagon International and got ready to show our skills. The boys were dissapointed we had to actually walk but eventually stopped their wingeing. Grandad would have been extremely proud, Tiger scared and The Champ showed why he is the MAN. Awards for the day, Channel ten Sports Award- Rebeccca, Best Butt award- Jacquie, I still can't play award - Horses

Snorkelling on the Neptune

2007-02-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

When the kids arrived we decided to go snorkelling and show them the harbour. We parked(berthed or moored) our boats and jumped on the Neptune for a day of fun and excitement. The day was meant to be free for volunteers and half price for family members. Somewhere in the translation it changed to nearly full price for everyone so we have booked more bislama lessons to avoid future bankruptcy. We even spotted a "moose fish" or was that a "goose fish"

And they continue to have'em

2007-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Some Mothers do hav'em

2007-02-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

Sorry there have been no blogs for a while but we have been under enormous pressure with the boys from down under coming over for a visit. Look at the photos and ask yourself the question "why do we ever have children":

Cascade Falls

2006-12-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we visited Cascade Falls with our friends Ron and Cheryl.Unlike our previous visit in 2000(with our kids), weather conditions were perfect and it was an ideal day for a small walk and picnic. The four of us took the 20 min walk to the falls and had a swim and a lovely little picnic. Jacquie and I were amazed at the changes that had occurred since our last visit but still found the whole journey to be totally relaxing. It brought back many memories of our holiday here six years ago and made us both more excited about our trip to visit our family in Australia next week.

Breakas

2006-11-25T12:44:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful location is the Breakas resort which is only about 800 metres walk from our apartments. For the person wanting pure relaxation and up market facilities, Breakas is one of the places to go. Listed as a boutique motel it has great dining facilities, a beautiful pool, good entertaining area and a lovely beach. Not destroyed by too many people, it is a great way to spend a lazy sunday after all the chores have been completed. It is one of the many perfect places to relax and unwind. You can also sunbake and swim in normal swimming costumes

Another Farewell

2006-11-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

One of the strange characteristics of volunteer life is the continuing welcoming and farewelling of friends. Whether it is people recently met or friends and family visiting, we constantly seem to say hello or goodbye. Recently some good friends (Don and Carol) finished their volunteer stint and have returned to Western Australia. They have been here for a year building a school at Epi and have become close companions. Individually we all got on very well but most importantly Don and Paul had the same humour and could amuse each other and not annoy us. We really enjoyed their company and hope they have a great time in WA at christmas. In the new year they look like taking a job in Indonesia so we wish them every success and hopefully we can meet them in some tourist location like Bali.

Here come the turtles

2006-11-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

After travelling for hours over the top of the island to the beach on the other side, we finally started searching for turtles. Ron and Cheryl decided to rest on the beach. The official explanation was a nasty cut to Rons toe but the more interesting answer came from Trevor who suggested they want some romantic time away from the group. The rest of the group continued the journey and it was long before we came across two monster turtles.
The first turtle with a shell more than a metre long could not get comfortable, didn't lay any eggs and attempted to return to the water. Jacquie was surprised at how quickly such a large turtle moved and it proved quite difficult for the experts to stop and tag the turtle. The second turtle put on a great show for everyone and eventually laid about 250-300 eggs. It was amazing and lengthy experience and one I am sure Traecey, Mathew and the girls would have loved.
At the end of the night we made the long trek home (about 1.5 hrs) and we were totally exhausted by the end. We had left at 5.15pm and we got home at 12.50am. Much too late for us old fellas.

The faces of Tassariki

2006-11-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

Village stay at Tassariki

2006-11-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

Recently we decided to spend the weekend at a village being turtle monitors with a group of people organised through Wan Smol Bag. It was the first time people from the "outside" had lived as a group at the village and no one was dissappointed. We arrived to a very formal opening ceremony welcoming the "tourists" and also blessing the new bungalows built for the occasion. Much to the delight of members of our group there was also a brand new toilet and shower facility. We travelled to the village in Ron and Cheryls new car and then by boat. Saturday afternoon saw most of us snorkel and receive guided tours around Tassariki.

Our girls and Eton Beach

2006-11-10T22:27:00.000-08:00

Just before the girls left their friend from upstairs Zoe bought them island dresses and the three girls looked beautiful. The picture shows that kids can be good even when they are awake.
Another favourite spot we visited recently was Eton beach. On the trip there we came across a bus broken down (flat tyre)and without anything to loosen the nuts. We gave some expert advice but also had no wheel brace. We wished them well but couldn't help so we left them and went swimming. (Rather selfish me think). Eton beach is very pretty and similar to beaches back home although it is also a very good snorkelling spot. Late in the day after church finishes the local villagers come down and join in with the visitors. Another must visit spot for tourists.

Rex Hunt runs a distant second

2006-11-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

The boys decided they needed some quiet time so off they went deep sea fishing. What a wonderful day and a lesson for all people hoping to be fisherman. The three boys Stuart, Tim and Rex went fishing out near Hat Island and the fish were literally jumping into the boat. By the time we needed refreshments we had landed five large fish (4 tuna and something). It was the perfect way to fish, beautiful day, good company, no bait required,just throw a line out and wait for the screeching noise of fishing line being ripped from the rod. The photos really tell the story and being the good fisherman we are we came home and cooked the fish on a barbeque for about 16 people. Eat your heart out Rex.

Final examination for miss jicky's class

2006-11-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

My first lot of students graduated last week from their 12 week course in nutrition and healthy living. In their final exam they had to chose a meal that they had cooked during the course, prepare it and present it to invited guests (about 25 people).Before they served their meal they had to give a small talk on why they chose the meal, how they cooked it and what was the nutritional value of the meal.
This proved to be very nerve racking for them but to their credit they all did a wonderful job. For the next six weeks we are teaching hospitality to 8 boys who are keen to go further in this area. We have turned the canteen into a cafe so they can get some real experience - this is really exciting and the response from everyone so far has been really encouraging. Who would have thought working at Gnostic Mana was preparing me for this role! The good news is I have delegated the job of mopping the floor - the worst job of all.

John Frumm village

2006-11-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

After our visit to the volcano we decided to visit the famous John Frumm village in Sulphur Bay. It was a two and a half hour walk up a fairly steep incline followed by a walk across the ash plain near the volcano. Thanks to a wrong turn we also had a very steep descent which thankfully we had a guide who also carried Tamasin on his shoulders. At the bottom of the descent we walked through some hot springs to get to the beach. Some of the springs were boiling and some expletives were whispered by the ladies. We swam in the cooler section of the springs before commencing the walk home. As we approached the plain the wind picked up and as you can see from the photo it was like a sand storm in the Gobi desert. Half way home we were picked up by a driver from our bungalow and we all gratefully accepted the lift. It still amazes each of us that many local villages live so close to the volcano on a daily basis.

Mt Yasur blows

2006-10-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

We met Traecey and family in Tanna after their visit to Mystery Island and took our next door neighbours (Canadians older than Jacquie) with us. The plan was to meet at the airport and travel together to Friendly Bungalows (about 6 kms from the volcano). Friendly is managed by a wondeful ni-vanuatu called Mary who looked after us brilliantly. On friday night we went to visit Mt Yasur late in the afternoon and stayed for about one hour after sunset. Awesome is the best word to describe the experience. Anyone visiting the area must go and see the volcano but don't wear a good pair of pants in case you have an accident.

Sista blong Jacquie kam long Australia

2006-10-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

We had our first visitors from home recently with Traecey, Mathew, Leila and Tamasin arriving on our doorstep. Mathew and Traecey behaved exceptionally well for adults. Mathew socialised in a sincere,sober and sophisticted manner informing all who would listen on any scientific fact he could find including the small snake he found in the backyard. Traecey tried to match little sister drink for drink and should be commended for her efforts in running second. Their dad Peter would be proud of both girls. Leila and Tamasin just played with uncle Paul and tried to work out half the dribble he said. In their spare time they played with Zoe and learnt a little bit of French. Leila was that impressed her front tooth fell out and the tooth fairy was so confused she paid Leila in vatus and dollars, much to the disgust of her parents. They left on Saturday, October 14 and peace and serenity is slowly returning to the poor little island of vanuatu.

Paradise Cove

2006-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-09-18T01:56:00.000-07:00

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!!