An unknown pearl of the Pacific Vanuatu is. Consisting of a string of islands between Fiji and the Solomon islands it is hardly the brochure holiday location. This is good for the people are friendly in the streets, it's safe and it's very tropical. A fairly unspoilt place which it will hopefully remain.

In Port Villa there is an perculiar atmosphere. It has a French but also an English vibe. You hear both languages in the streets but also Bislama, the countries own language.

That is because both countries colonised Vanuatu and weren't about to leave. This finally resulted in the so called "Condominium" where they both ran half of the country. This of course could only turn into chaos with three languages, three legal systems and three political agendas. Since 1980 Vanuatu is an independant nation but it has retained a lot of the colonial influences which these days is actually quite nice. You can have your baguette in the morning and a drink in the pub in the evening. In the meantime there's more then enough Vanuatu to be inspired by.

I spent an evening with an Australian friend at her local "family's" village. Drinking Kava which makes you feel a little light in the head and having food with her "Mammy" and "Daddy". Very good people.