Vanuatu day 2 - Independence Day & Waterfalls

Still cloudy. So I decided to go to see the waterfalls. Locals told me not to take a taxi because they will only rip off tourists. I was at the bus stop when a local man asked me if I needed a ride somewhere. He was with 2 kids and seemed normal so I decided to save the bus fare and jump in. I know, not my best idea. He dropped me off at the waterfalls and only offered to marry me if I ever decide that I want to stay in Vanuatu for good. What a tempting offer from a fat, old, bearded black guy.


The waterfalls were pretty. Beautiful, fresh turquoise water and pretty fish. There were heaps of falls along a path with slippery stones and water crossings in the middle of a dense rainforest. There weren't many tourists so I was a little bit worried what would happen if I would slip and hurt myself... And then I almost got a coconut in my head! I never realised before they can be so dangerous! They can totally knock you out! Anyway, it was a really beautiful spot. The path led to a big gorgeous waterfall.  I took some pictures but they don't really do justice. 


On the way back the bus driver told me that there is a big Independence Day celebration in the little town of Mele close by. So I asked him to drop me off there. There was music, food and other stalls, a soccer game and people chilling and mingling. I had lunch there, probably one of the dogs hanging around but it was ok. I really love the dresses that all the local women wear, a special kind of colorful dresses, that are called Island dresses or 'Mother Hubbard'. 


I found a nice bar by the harbour with wifi, reggae music, tourists chilling… So I had a couple of beers while I filled my visa application for Australia. When I was about to leave, this guy, Darren, came to talk to me and bought me a beer and afterwards even dinner. He was also coming from Melbourne and travelling by himself. He told me he was going to Hideaway Island the next day and asked if I’d like to join him. He seemed ok so I thought why not, I was kinda getting sick of my own company anyway. After dinner he walked me home cause he also thought that it’s definitely not safe to walk by myself in the dark… I got home at 9pm and went straight to sleep! The nightlife is not very wild here!

Vanuatu - Day 1.

Cloudy. Excuse me weather man, I ordered sun for my holiday!

I almost missed my plane! AGAIN! First I went to the international terminal, but I forgot that I’m flying via Brisbane. So they told me to go to the domestic terminal. Then I queued for half an hour just to find out that it was the wrong line. I finally checked in 15 minutes before the departure time! I almost panicked and I was sure they wouldn’t let me get into the plane… But here we are! You know me, travelling without a bit of drama would be boring, whether it’s a lost jacket or a credit card or whatever!

My hotel room is shocking. I just asked the lady at the airport information desk to organize me the cheapest accommodation possible. And this is hideous… I think the native people of Vanuatu live in better huts. The toilet reminds me of Trainspotting. Anyway, I only booked it for a couple of nights.

Once I got here, I went to look at the town of Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. And it’s small. And poor and undeveloped. I mean, they don't even have McDonald's.The good thing is, nobody is trying to get me to buy anything. Unless they see it in my face that I have no money. I have to say that I’m a bit worried travelling here by myself. When I’m walking around the town I felt like they’ve never seen a white girl before. And where are all the happy people I read about! Some are, but I feel like the majority is not very welcoming, sometimes even ignoring me at shops. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a female travelling alone or if they are like that towards all tourists. There aren’t a lot of tourists, just a few from Australia. 

I had a huge headache so I had to head back to the motel to take a pill and a little nap. I woke around 9 pm,  forced myself to get up and walked to the town. It’s a bit of a walk from my motel to the town and it was dark and I was afraid of every person that I came across... This is definitely not a good place for a female to travel by oneself!!! Everything was closed. So I went to this nice bar by the beach and had one beer and went back to sleep. 

Botanical Gardens & National Gallery

Last weekend I went to the Botanical Gardens, which is massive, I never realized it was so big. And pretty. Lots of cool trees, weird plants and birds, like black swans. Then we went to check out the war memorial, Shrine of Remembrance. There was this eternal flame that has been burning since the 1950s. I don’t know if I believe that though lol. Then we went to the National Gallery of Victoria, which was nice. There is this Salvador Dali exhibition at the moment, and we’re going to see it tomorrow! Yay.  

Shrine of remembrance

Work is going well. I’m getting more classes little by little… I really enjoy teaching them. It’s just that most of them are at 6 am. And as you know I’m NOT a morning person AT ALL. I like sleeping. And to get there in time I have to wake up at 4.30 am and it's KILLING me. I don't get people who want to train so early in the morning.

Seems like I’m going to Vanuatu next week, to get a new visa! I’m really excited about it, it’s nice to get out of the cold Melbourne and go somewhere warm and relax : ) First I was gonna go to NZ, but then I thought that it’s cold there as well so I’d rather pay a bit more and check out some of the tropical islands nearby. After all, it’s not like I can’t get flights to Vanuatu with 300 euros from Finland… Anyway, it should be around 30 degrees, white sand and crystal clear water… 

More photos at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=227172&id=750265704&l=e630411be4

Photos - Melbourne CBD

Another pic from my balcony... :)

Sunset from my balcony today... :)

Yarra river

Melbourne streets

Flinders Street Station

Collins Street; Melbourne in the winter...

More to come...

New home

I moved into my new apartment this morning. I love Casey the dog, she’s sleeping on my legs at the moment. 

So long Alice Street...

The view from my balcony. :)

KC <3.>

Tomorrow I’m gonna go and try out the gym, swimming pool and Jacuzzi downstairs. And there is even a sauna and a steam room. I know it’s only been a day, but I love living in the city! Everything is so close (bottle shop is right next door!!) :)