Wow, what a welcome to Vanuatu. This morning, we were welcomed ashore by a traditional dance followed by dividing into groups to pursue different interests. Some went in search of the island’s endemic birds on a walk through the native forest, others took a tour of the island with a WWII theme (including the museum and Million Dollar Point), several wandered through the market browsing the local offerings, and a lucky few were able to dive the wreck of the SS Coolidge whose bow lies in just 60 feet of water a short distance from the shore.
Everyone got to try their luck looking for the Million Dollar Prize while snorkelling over the wreckage left at the beach. Some did indeed come back with glass treasures unearthed by recent storms.
The afternoon brought us to the spectacle of water dancers, a tradition unique to the islands of Vanuatu, followed by a swim in the refreshingly fresh waters of Matevulu Blue Hole.
