Living Simply in Lakatoro

View towards Norsup and Lakatoro

After a fine and scenic flight across from Santo, we are now settling into our base in the town of Lakatoro on Malekula Island.
Facilities and services here are one step simpler than those on Santo and a massive contrast to what we have back home and take for granted.
First impressions are of the roads – gravel, or more accurately coral powder, potholes, lumps bumps and everything in between. Sure we have some roads like this in NZ, but usually heading towards the backcountry rather than everywhere.

Power is 12v solar for most, reticulated water available in town but only on in the mornings and evenings, cold water showers, gas (or fire) cooking. Reasonable cellphone coverage between the two networks however......

Spent a couple of days in a village learning about kastom Vanuatu culture and practices. With nothing but a bush knife in their hand (and a lot of knowledge), food can be gathered prepared and cooked within the forest and garden areas. The genuine kindness and welcome provided by our hosts was very special.

Making Laplap

This week has been spent visiting the first two outdoor adventure tours....

The first of these is a forest and valley trek known as the Manbush Trail. Usually a 4 night trip from coast to coast of mid Malekula, we did the shorter 2 night version which is a loop back to the east coast.

View out over eastern Malekula

The second tour  is an outrigger canoe trip in the Maskelyne Islands at the south of Malekula. Usually a three night trip, we did the overnight version, camping and again feasting on the food sources available locally with seafood the specialty!

Campsite on Sakao Island

Small woven sails plus paddle power....

Today is Childrens Day in Vanuatu so families are out and about on a lovely day enjoying their pikinini, another bonus is a day off tomorrow also, then back to work Tuesday.