Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a small Pacific island republic. The languages spoken there are
Bislama, French, and English. Christianity is the predominant religion. Many of the islands here are volcanic, and around the shore it’s mostly rocky with fringing reefs and no continental shelf, so the water quickly becomes very deep. Some volcanoes, including underwater ones, are still active. It’s difficult land to farm, and markets can be hard to reach, so families and other groups often subsist on home-grown food. There are a great variety of sea life and native bird species. Some interesting mammals include the green lizard, the Pacific boa snake, and the Vanuatu Scaly-toed Gecko, which is frequently seen but only here. The mainstays of the economy are agriculture, tourism, offshore financial services, and raising cattle. There are also exports such as copra, and the local fishing industry.

There is excellent scuba diving around here, and it’s a rare opportunity to see such coral reefs, not to mention a wrecked luxury liner. Soak up some local, traditional customs and watch native dances on the island of Malekula. Around Port Vila, visit the all-hours Vila Market (open 24/7 except for Sunday and half of Saturday) for excellent handicrafts, fresh food, and a low-key, authentic cultural experience. Tanna Island has wild horses, a coffee plantation, an active volcano that’s easy and exciting to explore, and even a gigantic banyan tree that’s labelled world’s largest living organism.

Taro, yams, and plantains are common starches. These and other starches are a very important part of the diet of Vanuatu. Cabbage is also available. There is a great deal of fish, and these days the beef is very good. Laplap, a cake of grated root vegetable wrapped in a banana leaf with coconut and wild cabbage, is considered the national dish and can be bought at market stalls. Coconut milk and cream flavor many other dishes. The dining scene is improving, and there is organic cuisine in the city of Luganville. The enjoyment of kava, a mildly narcotic drink, is very much community-based. This ritual usually occurs around sunset at the nakamal, or meeting place. Think of it as the South Pacific version of Cheers.