Taking a Break – Volcanoes, Cannibals and Tribal Magic

Standing on the rim of the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mount Yasur in Vanuatu. We felt the rumble and heard the deafening roar, felt the extreme heat, smelled the suffocating sulphur and dodged the rocks that the volcano spit at us. What an adventure!

Vanuatu… ever heard of it? It’s located east of Australia between the South Pacific Ocean and the Coral Sea. Formerly the shared Anglo-French territory of New Hebrides, this Melanesian nation is comprised of 83 islands, 65 of which are inhabited. Over 100 different languages are spoken throughout the islands, but Bislama (aka pidgin) seems to be the common language. We had the chance to visit 8 islands, all distinctive, all interesting and all welcoming. It was odd at first to be the only white people in an all black world.

We witnessed a Reconciliation with a simulated native attack on a visiting crew. David taught a class in solar panel repair. I worked with a local teacher and spent time with her family. We stood on the edge of the world’s most accessible active volcano, Mount Yasur in Tanna. We met a local chief and magic man who offered to share his magic… in return for… Well, read the story. You’ll get a kick out of it.

Travel back to 2011 with us and an outstanding adventure traveling in Vanuatu.