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| Vanuatu was first discovered in 1606 by a Spanish explorer, Pedro Fernendez de Quiros who sailed into the Big Bay on the large Island of Espiritu Santo. James Cook who arrived on the Islands in 1774 drew the first charts and christened them the New Hebrides. Vanuatu which is divided into six provinces achieved independence under it's present name in 1980. |
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Several remnants such as this man made fresh water pool called "The American Pool" by the locals provided fresh water to the American Troops who were stationed in Havannah Harbor and Port Villa on Efate over the course of World War II. There are many other remnants on the Island of Espiritu Santo where five hundred thousand troops were stationed making it the largest US Base in the Pacific outside of Hawaii. |
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Our first landfall in Vanuatu was Port Villa the Nations' bustling capital located on the Island of Efate. Port Villa's has one of the most beautiful deepwater harbors in the Pacific. The water is warm and crystal clear. |  |
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Although Port Villa is quite a busy and modern city, most of Vanuatu's Islands have not been affected by time and progress. Other than the occasional cell phone, most people in the villages don't have much. They live in small huts without electricity and are very generous with the fruit and vegetables they grow. |
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80% of people live in rural areas, mostly in small clan-based villages of less than 50 people and headed by a chief. The chief speaks on behalf of his village and his word is the law. The people of Vanuatu, a name which means"Land Eternal", are largely Melanesian and have lived in these islands for centuries. On the island of Malakula, Big and Small Mambas villagers are famous for their traditional culture and ceremonies which have remained untouched by outside influences. The traditional garment for men is called a "nambas" which is a sheath made from bark or the leaf of the pandanus. |
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| Custom and traditions have been thriving for centuries and they ensure respect within the communities. Custom is involved in every single major events (marriage, death etc... ) While visiting Banam Bay we were invited to participate along with hundreds of villagers from all over the island in a double wedding. I became the official photographer and Kip was elected to present the marriage certificates to both couples. |
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Vanuatu is certainly at the top of our list for the beauty and wide variety of its undersea world. Diving and snorkeling we discovered breathtaking sites such as this one. When it comes to the land, the vegetation changes from the coast to the deep interior of the islands from coconut trees to rainforest. |
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We hope you enjoyed reading about Vanuatu as much as we enjoyed visiting this wonderful group of Islands. (Tankyu tumas) is thank you very much in Bislama one of Vanuatu's official languages along with English and French. |
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