Two Trips - 20, 21 November

Eton Beach Changerooms and Toilet
Earlier in the week we had organised with Wilson to pick us up and take us in the opposite direction from Port Vila. Today our furthest point would be Eton Beach for the promise of some more good reef snorkelling but instead we could see that strong winds had brewed. It was quite rough in the bay despite the reef offshore, but we ventured out with the goggles and reef shoes on. There was a strong current of water coming through a gap in the main reef however we managed to find some reefs closer inshore which we explored quickly, finding an array of tropical fish.
On the way to Eton, the road was littered with potholes until Wilson slowed down and declared that the new road from this point was paid for by the NZ government. From that point on, the road surface was excellent.
 Jumping into the maroon Korean chariot (Hyundai minibus) and we had paid the beach visit fee at 300vt per person, we headed back towards Vila. Our next stop was to be Blue Lagoon. Coming out of Port Vila that morning it struck me that many people walking along the side of the road were just going about daily business. Sometimes it seemed that they hadn't come from anywhere apart from in the jungle. Occasionally they were in pairs, often with a machete in hand, and at times an accompanying load of wood which would be used for a cooking fire, or fence posts or maybe to build something. The fence posts, if indeed a property was fenced off, were mostly made of wood chopped from the forest, and placed close together, because the wire would only be a few strands. It was the density of the posts that confined the animals, not the fencing material.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon was a treat. Being the last day of school for the year in Vanuatu, it was also seen as a great way for schools to celebrate the year much like we would maybe have a swimming pool party to complete the year. The pictures tell the story - well worth the visit and one of the highlights as the two tweens joined in with the locals jumping off the the partially submerged tree into the blue water. As we got into our Korean chariot, we paid the 'gate keeper' our fee then headed off to visit a turtle aquarium. I can't recall it's name but it was just further on from the Bluewater Resort. Entry price was the purchase of a meal, which was prepared as we entered the turtle enclosure to do some snorkelling.

Ultimately I think the RSPCA would probably have a few issues with this attraction if it were in Australia, however, I wonder how much worse it really is from Seaworld or other such places. A unique experience but if handling animals in an intrusive manner causes angst, it's best to avoid it.
We returned to our apartment to prepare for the evening's activities, content that we had enjoyed a fun day in the water, but starting to find that we life being continually wet, and taking ages to dry out, has its repercussions.

That evening Wilson picked us up to take us to the Beach Bar at Mele, where we could enjoy a meal then take in the Friday night fire spectacular. A fantastic night out, with a great meal and lively entertainment. The trip home included the honeymoon couple who came out with us, plus another 7 more people - do the maths!
Fire Show at Mele Beach Bar
Having decided a couple of days earlier to hire a car to drive around Efate, we went to Go2Rent and collected our green Daihatsu Terios on Saturday morning. We went to:

Hair braiding at the Vila Markets
The Summit Gardens - very steep, single lane access was fine until someone came the opposite direction and I had to back down and make way
The Wahoo Bar for lunch - delicious lobster

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