Weekend in 2 worlds

The weekend went by quickly again and we realized that you can experience and shape it in many different ways.

On Friday evening, we drove with Atu to Mele, which is located 10km west. The tour took a bit longer than expected (30 minutes) because shortly after the still quite friendly streets in the city center, you encounter many potholes and construction sites, some of which are still the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, which destroyed 95% of the country here in 2015.

But since we left early, we were able to admire a great fire show on the beach at one of the most famous tourist beach bars with burgers and smoothies. The show is also THE tourist attraction and so we were not alone. Surrounded by drinking Australians and New Zealanders, who mainly go on vacation here, we applauded the Ni-Vanuatu (the locals here) and for about 1 hour, they twirled the fire sticks, breakdanced, performed tricks on fabric and swing, and spat fire. This world surrounded by 'whites', chilling in resorts by the pool and drinking Tusker in pubs, is one world in which you can spend time here if you like. In yoga classes, you also meet 99% of immigrants. The locals are not very interested in it and often have too little money.

On Saturdays, there is always gaming at the courts with everyone who wants to. Afterwards, we drove to a secluded beach to spend the evening very romantically. When the mosquitoes attacked us in the dusk, we quickly went back and went to bed early.

On Sunday, we had lunch with Josh and his girlfriend (Emma) and daughter (Amy) scheduled. We met at a different section of the beach, where only Ni-Vanuatu people hang out, and when we arrived at 11 AM, the fire was already going and the turkey breasts were skewered in large quantities. The beach was rather rough, somewhat 'dirtier' (although it is very clean overall compared to other developing countries), and shady. In addition to the small family, 4-6 other cousins/sisters/aunts with children welcomed us, and occasionally someone else joined. The women sat by the fire and prepared the food while we cracked nuts from the tree with Amy and Josh and prepared the camp. Amy is 4 years old and was super trusting and immediately took our hand and marched into the water. Communication took place with hands and feet because she only speaks Bislama. Of course, we are diligently practicing, but it's not working properly yet.

In addition to the turkey from the supermarket, Josh prepared his own chicken that he had marinated the traditional way. Onions and spices are added to the chicken, together with hot stones (2 stones inside and 2 outside), everything is tightly wrapped and sealed in banana leaves. This way, the chicken is cooked for at least 2 hours. We were a bit skeptical, but Michel was convinced otherwise and the meat was cooked and tasty. 😂 We also had rice and taro (sweet potato) and bread. Each of us was served a large plate by Emma on aluminum foil! Bon appétit! Our contributions (dip, carrots, cucumber, bread, and cookies) were somewhat neglected, only Amy enjoyed the carrots.

After the meal, Josh unpacked a gift for Amy from Sydney. An inflatable giant peacock (similar to Batschi's unicorn) that became the highlight in the water. Since our bellies were still bothering us, especially after this culinary feast, we watched everything from the beach. Amy was less impressed, but everyone else went crazy. 😁 After about 2 hours of fun in the water, we moved the camp to the sports field. Now, sports are being played. The enthusiasm, especially for volleyball and soccer, is huge here in Vanuatu. Everyone is excited and everyone is allowed to join in. Although volleyball can become quite laborious with too many players and beginners, it's not a problem here. On the one hand, many have a pretty good feel for the ball and can act quickly, and on the other hand, everything is easy and slow, slow. With 10-15 people, everyone plays on one field and waits relaxed while one person runs back and forth on a soccer field with the one and only ball. World-class!

Many are gaming, others are chilling on the picnic blanket, reggae music in the background, and life is beautiful. Amy has now identified us as gymnastics equipment and is doing gymnastics on us, and we spend another 2 hours there with everyone.

Around 4:30/5, we finally set off, to the protests of Amy. We should have gone home, but spontaneously we decided to stop at a resort that we had already found quite cool from the other side. There was an ice cream café by the pool and voila, we liked this world again. It must be said that the ice cream here is unexpectedly incredibly creamy and delicious. So we twirled in and enjoyed it. ;)

In conclusion, we would say that having a good mix of both is a fantastic thing. It is incredibly interesting and versatile, and we are looking forward to paddling to Erakor Island with Josh's family using the kayak. This is very typical for tourists and it's the first time for the family. But before that, we plan to go around the island of Efate with Atu once. We are currently planning the route.

Otherwise, the week is back in full swing. Lots of beach volleyball, yoga (there are already a few substitute classes in prospect), and maybe we will go to the hospital at the end of the week to get an insight.

🙏