h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Vanuatu - A2501542
Author: Kaltamat - U689641

my personal experiences curious what else people want to know, think should go in there. trying to avoid the encyclopedic style and keep in more loose, experential and of course slightly humourous.

hmm, it's been nigh on 15 years since I was in Port Vila, but I can remember a few things...

The people were VERY polite, agreed. The fact they spoke pidgin is because the Imperialist French took over New Caledonia, and no one wanted to speak French. Most products are all French language based too, although this may have changed since I was there. The locals will speak to you in the French, as all are taught it at school, very begrudgingly though from memory. All the shop signs are written in pidgin too, a lot VERY amusing, can't recall any off hand but I do remember a lemonade type drink that was very popular. Called Pschitt, pronounced, well you work it out. Hoots of laughter as I went and asked for a can of it at the market. Like any country, if you try to do what the locals do, you'll be met with warm arms. Try climbing trees for coconuts, or wrestling coconut crabs! Everyone wore sarongs, so if you don't mind wearing a skirt, go for it. Very cooling...

Markets were another thing. The best way to eat in Vanuatu is gpoing to the open markets. Cheap and inexpensive food, and often a lot better than the American style food sold at the restaurants and hotels. Best way to survive, eat fruit and lobster from the market while sitting on the beach...ahhh, memories. The markets were also the best place for GOOD keepsakes, and the stallholders don't mind a little bartering.

One of the best thing to do while there is snorkelling along the reefs. the marine life is beautiful and the locals still do clam and pearl diving. If you bump into while you're snorkelling, ask to join in, it's great fun and the meal afterwards is fantastic.

Transport on the islands is usually bikes, scooters or taxi vans. All of which are notoriusly clapped out and rusted from salt damage, but the taxi drivers are a wealth of local knowledge and a great laugh too.

That's all I can think of at the moment, but with some gentle questioning I may recall more...
PGHF

Hello Kaltamat. Are you still about? If not, I'd be intersted in taking on borad this Entry on Vanuatu. What I'll do is strat a fresh one, but credit you and what you've written so far, how about that? Ok?
Frood

Author has elvised - flea market?

Seconded.

I'm interested in completing an Entry on Vanuatu, but it's been ages since I was there. But I'd be happy to rescue this from the Flea Market.

MJ

Well, it's going on a list to be sent there, so look out for it

Hey I disappeared off this thing and was shocked to find an email in my box saying my entry had been approved. Thanks. It looks awesome and you kept my best lines!