Back to the big smoke

At short notice, we were called back to the capital, Port Vila by our in-country manager for some Youth Ambassador meetings. The journey back to the capital started with a stunning 2 hour boat ride to the air strip on the western side of the island, Craig Cove.


(View of Ambrym Island from the boat)

We boarded the 19 seater plane assuming it would be a quick trip from Ambrym to Vila not realising the plane had to make multiple stops on runways shorter than a postage stamp! The pilots were incredibly talented landing and taking off on tiny airstrips just metres away from the ocean. We often had to pick up precious cargo including watermelons, mangoes, pigs, chickens and people.


(Waiting to board the plane at Craig Cove)

(Picking up some fragile cargo)

Upon arrival, we were quickly jolted out of our simple existence into the mod-cons of Port Vila... having electricity, running water, washing machines, cold drinks, sizzling steaks, hot showers, speaking English and having easy communication with the outside world. We decided to stay awhile and wait for a spare part for our lap top to arrive from Australia and then head back to Ambrym.

(Matt at the Port Vila markets)

During our time in Vila, Pippa broke a tooth (an old hockey injury) and had to fly back to Australia for a few days for some dental work.

The Youth Ambassador Pacific Manager has also given us a satellite phone for emergencies and easier contact with the outside world. Apparently anyone can send us free text messages using the internet (if you are interested, please e-mail us, so we can give you the details).

(Pacific Manager, Sue Earle with Pippa and our In-Country Manager, Lou Cochrane.)