Friday 01/01/2010 - Cascade Abseil

Today we'd booked in to do an Abseil down the Cascades. Emma and Alex came with us, it was wonderful. hubby picked this activity but I'm sure I got at least as much enjoyment out of it as he did.
We walked up to the top of the falls, which was a long walk and quite hot

We did some practice abseils and sat through some safety instructions before we were unleashed on the falls.











The abseil was two 25 meter drops straight down the front of the waterfall, it was refreshing to be in the water again on such a hot day (having said it was a hot day it was at Vanuatu's maximum temperature of 28 degrees Celsius - the most perfect weather I think). On the last section of the abseil I noticed that when I looked up to the top of the falls, water splashed down into my face, a major distraction. Hubby was the first down the falls followed by me.









The abseil terminated in a pool of cool, clear water, for the last 2 meters I took the largest leap I could and let go of the rope to plunge myself into the cool water. Once at the bottom, watching the other tourists descend I noticed the reason that the water was splashing in my face. One of the guides would wait until you looked up and when you did he placed his hand in the flowing water directing it towards our faces. The looks on the other tourists faces were priceless. After I had taken the 'final leap' into the water it became the done thing. Ironically though it was only the females that seemed to get it right, the men didn't seem to jump far enough or let go readily enough to make a splash.
Once we were down in the water the guides took some photos of us together, a nice touch and good memories. I've recently discovered that hubby and I don't have many photos of us together due to the fact that we like to travel alone and one of us is usually holding the camera. Having these photos of us together at the Cascades has encouraged me to be less critical of my appearance and take more 'lets hold the camera up and cuddle' shots. Our 'underwater' camera crapped out yet again even thought this morning I'd lubricated the seal, in an attempt to prevent it leaking further. So it was just as well that the guides took photos and we could buy a CD with them on at the end of the tour.






I've also attached some of the photos the abseil company gave us as extras, they may give you a better idea of just how beautiful the Cascades are:

Thursday 31/12/2009 - New Years Eve

Today we'd booked in to do the remaining two dives on our dive ticket (I promise to list the dives and give a brief description here after consultation with our dive log books). We made our way out onto the water with the Big Blue crew, after the first dive and some swim testing that was compulsory for passing the dive ticket, we got back on tot he boat and made our way to the second dive for the more experienced divers that were with us. It was intended that we would drop off the more experienced people then make our way to our dive site. Jerry was talking about the advanced divers wreck dive. being cheeky (as always) I commented "A Wreck Dive already, thanks Jerry" to which Jerry replied asking if that's something we'd like to do. Of course we unanimously agreed, wreck dives are usually reserved for the more experienced, so we were in luck. We couldn't go all over the wreck but we did get a chance to dive around it to a depth of about 20 meters. Jerry showed us what he called "boxing fish" who hung out around the mast of the wreck. he called them boxing fish as when he punched the water in their general direction the swam away, only a few moments later to attempt seeking revenge by charging Jerry's hands - classic. On this dive I decided to try a reverse roll entry into the water, I'd watched many others do it successfully before me so I figured it shouldn't be too difficult. I entered the water and before I knew it I'd completed about 4 somersaults under the water - to Jerry's entertainment.

On the boat ride back to shore Jerry told me that he'd met a woman like me once, a cheeky one. I asked him if he still knew her. He informed me that he did indeed still know her, she used to be his girlfriend. I asked where she was these days, and he told me she was his wife hehehehe

Tonight, being New Years Eve we decided to go out for a night on the town to celebrate and also to take Diana out for a few drinks and dances. We took along with us two guys from the resort Rob, another cheeky Aussie that earlier in the week had commented on a shirt I was wearing. It was a 'Gypsy Nights' t-shirt, he asked what it meant so I told him that the only way he should ask what it meant was if it was a 'Gypsy Twist' T-shirt, his friends thought that hilarious, but he didn't get it, he insisted that I explain what the Gypsy Twist was, which I did, he then suggested that he was a visual learner and that it would be better if I showed him or drew a picture. I called him a 'cheeky sod' and explained that my husband probably wouldn't be happy for me to show him, but that I could probably do a fair artistic impression of it. We both took the conversation in good faith, nothing sus (which was rather refreshing). Anyhow, back to the point, we went out with Rob and his friend who's name I believe is Shane. Diana had previously told me about a tourist guy from the resort from years ago that treated her well, took her out to dinner and bought her expensive perfume before returning home, Shane was that guy, and what a sweety he was. I caught them a couple of times holding hands and whispering sweet, cute nothings in each others ears. It was obvious he was completely smitten with her, and rightfully so. We walked into town and down to 'The Waterfront' a restaurant and bar that was really busy. We approached the door where the waitress was keen to inform us that there weren't serving people. As we left, we chuckled at the thought that perhaps she would have served animals, and that if we had have lifted our legs on a plant in the garden perhaps then they would have served us LOL.

As we were making our way towards the Go Gecko Bar we met up with some of Dianas friends, JJ and the other girls name I can't remember (how embarrassing), they were mostly speaking to Diana in Bislama. There was a time in the conversation that I could tell they were making jokes at the boys expense. Even though it was in Bislama I looked over, gave them the thumbs up and said "good one" they laughed and explained that they didn't know I spoke Bislama, I don't speak Bislama I just knew it was the perfect opportunity to break the ice. After then I joked and laughed with them, they are really nice girls and an absolute riot to go out with.

Midnight came and Go Gecko closed momentarily so everybody could walk across the road to the Oceanfront to watch the fireworks that the 'richies' over on Iriki had kindly put on for us and the other locals. We made our way back to Go Gecko. Diana asked us where we'd like to go next, we insisted that it was her choice. Her and the girls choose "The Flamming Bull", a steakhouse by day and a nightclub by night. Hubby, Rob, Shane and I were about the only Caucasoid's there, it was great. The girls were surprised that, after watching the first two dances that I joined them on the dance floor. I think they expected me to dance like an uncoordinated white woman, on the contrary, I took a leaf from their book and danced in the sexy style that they were. They were quite impressed, I don't think I've ever been given so many high-fives in one night ever.

Wednesday 30/12/2009 - Club Hippique

Today we'd book a horse-riding tour that I'd been eying off before we left Australia. It was a rain-forest ride ending with an equine swim in the lagoon. I've spent quite a bit of time on horseback but never had I experienced swimming with them. This tour was one of my selection.
The rain-forest was not like the rain-forests of my home town. If I were to describe it, I'd say it was more of a 'bush' ride. We were greeted and sized for helmets (funny little pony-club things) that made our heads look all out of proportion. Our horses were waiting for us. Mine was named Dancer and hubbys was White Balls (yes folks white balls! even though his balls from what I could see were not particularly white, not that I took too close a look).






Some of the other people on the ride had obviously not had much experience on horseback. I offered one guy some assistance, by suggesting that if he lowered his hands and curled the reigns that he would have more control. The woman he was riding with was curt in saying "Don't do that!" I ignored them both, nothing was going to disturb me having a good time today. We traveled down hill and up dale. Hubby's horse was misbehaving quite badly, stopping every few steps to eat grass, Dancer tried to join him, but I kept control telling him that he could eat when I said so. As we rode on I noticed the rude woman from earlier having a hard time getting her horse to move (they, like all trail horses are stubborn, preferring to do their own thing). I giggled to myself as I walked Dancer past her, when I was level with her horses ears I whispered "walk on" and he instantly moved, I looked back to her and smiled, somehow she didn't seem pleased.
I took advantage of the lazy meanderings to chat to one of the guides, a quiet but friendly gentleman who's name I didn't catch. I asked him about brumbies (wild horses) and if they caught and broke them in. He told me that 'Club Hippique', the ranch on which we were riding frequently broke horses and taught the local boys how. He asked me how I knew things about horses and I told him that my father was interested in breeding horses as a form of retirement. It was good to talk horses to someone, it's been ages since I've been able to have a 'bushy talk' with anyone - since dad died in 2000 I suppose.








The trail returned to the stable grounds where we removed the horses saddles and rode them bare-back into the lagoon. Dancer didn't seem too keen for a swim until I splashed water up on his underbelly with my feet, at which point he buried his face into the salt water and blew a few bubbles just to show off (I'm sure). Hubby's horse, who had been cheeky the whole ride was the first into the water and also the first to get almost fully submerged. Having said that you'd expect that his horse walked into the lagoon until the water was very deep, on the contrary, hubby's horse decided that the lagoon was as good a place as any to lay down, hubby on his back. I was so proud of him, as soon as his horse regained proper orientation he mounted without delay, showing the horse who was boss. But that didn't last all that long before he again dove sideways, this time hubby remained on his back on the way down and on the way up again, he looked like a real ranch-boy or jackaroo.





On this tour we met a mother and daughter couple who were concerned that they wouldn't get any photos of the daughters time swimming with horses. Luckily we'd brought out underwater camera, and took some shots of her to send home as a memento (speaking of which I really should get those photos to them and in the process remember their names) - sorry ladies!



After returning to the resort we played some snooker at the bar before dinner, where we were informed very discretely that it was Diana's birthday (if I hadn't have found out, no one would have been told, she can be a bit shy our Diana - we love you) Once James had told us it was her birthday I made sure to wish her a happy birthday loudly from across the restaurant. The table closest to us hosted a kiwi couple who took my lead and suggested that the whole restaurant sing Diana Happy Birthday. The whole resort rang out with song. Diana had THE MOST beautiful, if a little embarrassed look on her face, she kept shaking her fist at me, threatening revenge for my cheekiness. Some members of staff came out of hiding in the kitchen, staffroom and washroom to sing along, they approached me later to thank me for making sure Diana didn't get away with a birthday without a birthday song.

Tuesday 29/12/2009 - Small Numbas Cultural Tour

This morning after breakfast I sat down for a while to make notes for this blog. It's amazing how you never know just how much you get done in a day until you sit down and think it through fully.I noticed some new Aussies staying at the resort this morning, they looked upset and disappointed. It turned out that they had booked a tour for this morning, but the bus didn't show to pick them up and they didn't know what to do for the day. They had resigned themselves to a day spend relaxing by the resort pool when I approached them about the possibility of them joining us on the "Small Numbas Tour" that was leaving this afternoon. Emma and Alex gladly accepted my offer, Emma kept asking, making sure it was OK for them to join us. It was good to have someone else with us, plus I like being friendly especially when polite and kind people look upset or frazzled.The bus came to pick us up on Island time (half an hour late - pretty good really) The tour guide and his wife and child were escorting us around on the bus. The photo
below will show you (with any luck) just how gorgeous the kids of Vanuatu are, their eyelashes are wonderfully long and the smiles of their faces seem to emit an angelic light.


The bus took us through Vila where we stopped at a few places to take in the view and get our bearings.




The bus took us to La Lagoon to paddle across the lagoon on a traditional dug out canoe.






The chief of the Small Numbas tribe (from Malakula) paddled us across the lagoon. I asked if I could paddle too and he of course said yes. I remembered growing up, being told the difference between the way a man handles a paddle (one hand on the very end of the handle) compared with that of women (one hand part way down the handle - so women could paddle whilst carrying their children without interfering with their children s comfort). I paddled this way and I think that the chief was quietly surprised and grateful for the help. The paddles are marked with the colours of the Vanuatu flag - Black to represent the indigenous skin, Red to signify the sun, Green to represent the plants and Yellow to signify goodwill to all men.




The village is called "Amelgorie"




Once on the other side of the lagoon we were greeted by a pretty girl who warned us not to be too shocked by the surprise to come. As we entered the ceremonial village grounds the males of the tribe (dressed in all their regalia) jumped out at us yelling. It was great, seeing the guys trying to be serious and scary. The Small Numbas tribe is so called because their 'cod-pieces' (for want of another descriptor) are relatively small. There is also a Big Numbas tribe whom wear large 'cod-pieces'.
The tribesmen showed us some of their traditional dances which I will upload to Youtube as soon as time permits.




They also showed us their traditional fire-making techniques.
After the show we were invited to have afternoon tea of local tropical fruits and juice, the mango was delicious and I don't think I've ever tasted sweeter pineapple (and that's saying something considering I grew up in North Queensland). As Emma and I were eating the boys chatted to the male members of the tribe. I had earlier seen hubby eyeing off the war clubs the men had used during the ceremonial dances, I knew he wouldn't be able to resist seeing if they would let him give it a swing. It was then that I noticed the pretty girl that had guided us into the village eyes widen, she frantically asked who 'he' was. I told her that the guy she was asking about was my husband, she looked at me, eyes wide and said "your husband - Tuff TUMAS!" I turned around just in time to catch hubby swinging the war club in his precise martial manner and smiled, a feeling of intimate pride swimming over me. The people of Vanuatu use the phrase tuff tumas quite often but I'd never heard it said with such enthusiasm.


Hubby informed me later that the cultural chief of the village had explained a bit about the use of ceremonial war clubs in their culture dances and within their culture in general. The design of the war clubs are not traditional to Vanuatu or the Small Numbas tribe but rather are designs based on the 'Pacific Forum' the designs on the war clubs include symbols of indigenous and Caucasian peoples joining together. Hubby also found out that they Vanuatu men didn't 'train' in warfare specifically, instead they have warrior dances were they attack and defend at full force to the music of their culture songs, if the dances are not performed correctly the chances of severe injury become quite common.
I asked the men about the decorations I noticed painted on their bodies for the dancing. They showed me the tribal markings that represent the centipede (the only dangerous animal in Vanuatu) and the palm frond markings on their chest are that of an indigenous short leaved palm prevalent on the islands of Vanuatu.The village was surrounded by 'totem-pole type guys' which were told to us to be watching demons. The eyes of these 'demons' are hollowed out and the statues face the ceremonial grounds of the village, the most central locations. We were informed that the watching demons had their eyes removed so they can not see the digressions of those within the tribe, they are there to protect the village people and save them from unfair judgment.












After the festivities the culture group availed us some photographic opportunities.
We were invited to take some staged photos where the guys were pretending to kidnap us girls - fun times!



Upon our return canoe journey we were complimented on our friendliness (a strange concept considering how friendly the people of Vanuatu are - strange and immensely flattering). The chief told us that if he had time that evening that he and the tour guide and his wife would join us at the 'Green Light' (the local Kava bar behind out resort).

The bus returned us to Coconut Palms resort where Emma and Alex were more than appreciative of our invitation and seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, Emma commented that it was the most 'cultural' thing they could have done. When I told her I was an anthropologist, it all started making sense to her.