Has The Idiot finally discovered that it’s more relaxing to laze on the tropical island of Efate in Vanuatu than to MedTrek around Cyprus, Sicily, Crete and other Mediterranean islands?
Much to his surprise, The Idiot had little trouble filling his spare time in Vanuatu with activities that ranged from kayaking, SCUBA diving and swimming to enjoying meals on the South Pacific Oceanside, taking trips to the local market, spending hours in museums and indulging in other local activities and antics.
One key to successful lazing is a decent view from a bungalow terrace that also affords access to the local population.
The view from the oceanside terrace of The Idiot’s bungalow in Vanuatu included his kayak and outdoor shower.
The locals were so intrigued by The Idiot that a number of them appeared each night during dinner just to watch him eat fresh fish.
No MedTrekking meant that The Idiot had time to shop at the daily market in the capital city of Port Vila, where he picked up fresh flowers and local fruit.
The Idiot bought these flowers at the daily market in Port Vila, Vanuatu, for less than $3.00.
Bananas, coconuts, papayas, pineapples and yams were part of The Idiot’s daily diet in Vanuatu.
Not everyone at the Port Vila market was hard at work and even The Idiot was inspired to take a nap in his hammock after a strenuous shopping spree.
The break from MedTrekking gave The Idiot time to explore the Vanuatu National Museum and familiarize himself with the history of the country and its 83-island archipelago.
The Idiot explained to a friend that the horizontal “Y” in the nation’s flag signifies the shape of the country’s chain of islands.
(Photo: John Keeney)
Sand drawings, like this one at the National Museum, are an historic form of cultural expression in Vanuatu. Each maze-like design is created with a fingertip in one continuous movement.
Colorful slit-drum tamtams illustrate Vanuatu’s history.
The Idiot ended each day with a pacifying sunset and an unhurried oceanside meal.
Another pacifying Pacific Ocean sunset.
Another unhurried oceanside meal.
And he didn’t leave Vanuatu empty-handed.
The Idiot left Vanuatu with a T-shirt reminding him of last year’s devastating cyclone and a book about Vanuatu’s history prior to independence in 1980 (Thanks, Joy Wu!).
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