Island nation embraces visitors
Kiwi expat Dianne Hambrook says Vanuatu is still recovering from Cyclone Pam, but it’s no less beautiful and its people are no less welcoming.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there? I moved to take up an assignment with Volunteer Service Abroad. I’m 10 months into a two-year contract. What do you do there? I’m a business development advisor with the Shefa Tourism Office. Shefa, along with Tanna and Erromango, bore the brunt of Tropical Cyclone Pam, but we were open for business almost immediately. Tourism accounts for around a quarter of Vanuatu’s GDP, so will be vital for the country’s recovery. If Kiwis want to know how to help, coming here on holiday would be really beneficial. What are the greatest advantages to living there? Working in a tourism office, I’m reminded people pay thousands to come on holiday, while I’m already here. But the best thing is the people. The post-Pam campaign #VanutatuStillSmiles is exactly how it is, Ni-Vanuatu still laugh and get on with things. How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? I find it cheaper than in Auckland. What do you do in your spare time? Saturday mornings are usually reserved for town, the market and meeting for coffee. Then it’s beaches and snorkelling if the weather is right. It’s really easy for us to head to the offshore islands of Nguna and Pele for a night. What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it? I love the abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables available fresh from the local markets – all of it organic. We have some excellent restaurants, including French, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Easiest way to get around? Travel like a local – catch a bus. For 150 vatu (about $2) you can go anywhere in Port Vila. You may not go directly to your destination, but you’ll get there eventually and it’s a great way to discover the ‘burbs and meet local people. What’s the shopping like? Food and flowers are bought fresh from markets, and there is an abundance of local handicrafts for sale. Because Port Vila is a tourist destination, many shops offer dutyfree goods and souvenirs. For hipsters and those into recycling, second-hand clothes shopping is fun. Best after-dark activity? Kava bars at sunset are a great way to end the day. Our local is situated on the edge of the lagoon where we relax and catch up with friends. Best time of year to visit? The winter months are cooler – though still in the mid-20s – and less prone to cyclones, so they’re considered the high season here. It’s fair to say category five cyclones are a very rare event, fortunately. The last really big one in Vanuatu was Uma in 1987. We reckon we’re safe for the next 20 years! What are the top three things you recommend for visitors? Interact with local people. They’re friendly, speak good English and they love New Zealanders. Get out to the outer islands if you can. Santo offers stunning beaches, beautiful blue holes, world-class diving and great award-winning tours such as the Millennium Cave. Malekula will give you an authentic cultural experience and for the adventurous, there are active volcanoes on Ambrym and Tanna to be explored (though Tanna will take a little longer to be tourist-ready). Naghol, land diving, starts this month and runs until the end of May on Pentecost Island. How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand? Very. Port Vila is only a three-hour flight away and Air Vanuatu, Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia all have services.
If you know an expat who wants to share inside knowledge of their home away from home, email escape@star-times.co.nz with Expat in the subject line.