Vanuatu
Today the National Geographic Endeavour arrives in the small island country of Vanuatu, our third South Pacific country of the voyage. At sunrise the Torres Islands come into view, these uplifted coral islands are the northwestern-most of the 83 islands in the Vanuatu archipelago.
Conditions are favorable this morning for water activities at Tegua Island. After breakfast we set out for diving, snorkeling, and a bit of glass-bottom boating. The water is warm, the visibility is amazing, and the tropical fish are colorful and abundant. And a lucky few have a close look at a curious hawksbill turtle.
During lunch the ship sails to Loh Island. Here we officially check into Vanuatu and go ashore to explore the village and to meet the local people. As in all of Melanesia, the people are warm and friendly, and just as interested in us as we are of them.
But the people of Loh Island take hospitality to another level. As our Zodiacs approach the shore we are met by a “threat” welcome, where warriors dressed in traditional attire storm out of the bush to greet the Zodiacs (top photo). Lucky for us, today this sort of welcome is an honor and we are quickly invited ashore where the entire village is assembled to greet us. The Chief officially welcomes us, and then sits with our Captain and Expedition Leader in a Kava drinking ceremony. Cultural dances follow and then we depart to explore the island one-by-one or two-by-two with our local guides.
But back at the landing the string band steals the show. Dressed for the event, complete with stylish shades, the band plays non-stop all afternoon with locals and visitors dancing in harmony. The band follows with encore as part of the farewell ceremony on board the ship. What a great day it was in this tropical paradise.
Today the National Geographic Endeavour arrives in the small island country of Vanuatu, our third South Pacific country of the voyage. At sunrise the Torres Islands come into view, these uplifted coral islands are the northwestern-most of the 83 islands in the Vanuatu archipelago.
Conditions are favorable this morning for water activities at Tegua Island. After breakfast we set out for diving, snorkeling, and a bit of glass-bottom boating. The water is warm, the visibility is amazing, and the tropical fish are colorful and abundant. And a lucky few have a close look at a curious hawksbill turtle.
During lunch the ship sails to Loh Island. Here we officially check into Vanuatu and go ashore to explore the village and to meet the local people. As in all of Melanesia, the people are warm and friendly, and just as interested in us as we are of them.
But the people of Loh Island take hospitality to another level. As our Zodiacs approach the shore we are met by a “threat” welcome, where warriors dressed in traditional attire storm out of the bush to greet the Zodiacs (top photo). Lucky for us, today this sort of welcome is an honor and we are quickly invited ashore where the entire village is assembled to greet us. The Chief officially welcomes us, and then sits with our Captain and Expedition Leader in a Kava drinking ceremony. Cultural dances follow and then we depart to explore the island one-by-one or two-by-two with our local guides.
But back at the landing the string band steals the show. Dressed for the event, complete with stylish shades, the band plays non-stop all afternoon with locals and visitors dancing in harmony. The band follows with encore as part of the farewell ceremony on board the ship. What a great day it was in this tropical paradise.
