Ambrym, Vanuatu

We have arrived at Ambrym, a volcanic island in Vanuatu. The volcano is still active and last erupted in December 2018. Approximately 7,000 people live on the island.

As usual, we were welcomed according to local traditions. We had to pass through various plant gates to reach a festival ground. The gates served to ward off evil spirits. The two highest chiefs exchanged gifts with our captain and the expedition leader.

After that, there was a performance of a mythological story. The warriors, dressed in their garments and masks, protected the various chiefs. The entire event was accompanied by different drumming instruments. The statues embedded in the ground also served as drums. Apparently, it is all quite complicated, which is why there are several high chiefs who continuously give instructions, and locals sometimes point out when something goes wrong.

After the event, we walked through the village, looked at the market stalls, and even bought a carved pig. The houses are in varying conditions, and alongside driftwood, there is quite a bit of trash scattered around. The school looks quite neat. There are no paved roads, but plenty of off-road vehicles.

When we wanted to return to the ship, a tropical storm broke out. At first, the wind was too strong, then the rain became so heavy that we could only see a few meters ahead, and we got completely soaked.

Next, we headed to the next island... continues