Bart Bear's Blog

Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is the capital of Vanuatu, a nation of around 80 islands. The islands have had an interesting history, some being claimed by France and some by Britain. In 1906 they were joined under joint french/Brirish rule as the New Hebrides, and they became independent in 1980 when the name was changed to Vanuatu. The large lagoon at Vila is the nation's main harbour, although during WW2 there was a huge Allied base on Espititu Santo, the largest island of the group. We had never been to Vanuatu, so had organized a private tour with a local operator. We waited and waited in the tropic sun and the driver never came. Three hours and several phone calls later we had to cancel the tour, so we still haven't seen anything of this island, apart from the harbour views and the large market that the locals set up whenever a cruise ship is in port. Some people tell us that the island is pretty and the locals are very friendly, others say the exact opposite. Maybe we will get another chance to find out who is right on a later cruise.