Carl was hit with a possible minor cold so plans where changed, delaying our move to Oyster bay. I spent a good chunk of the afternoon paddleboarding to shore and then walking the beach. A number of groups were hanging out, some fishing, some listening to music, and some just lounging around. I reached a spot where the beach disappeared, turning into a mangrove. It was weaving and ducking finding a path. Eventually I located a trail to the road that runs to the end of the peninsula. Much easier going back with a couple additions to check out the windward side (not too exciting with not much beach and a lot of volcanic rock along the shore).
I took a few breaks in the shade on the sandy side to relax, mediate, and enjoy the view. The last sandy stretch I came upon a group of six young people. We started chatting and I asked about one guy’s slingshot that was over his shoulder. It turned out he shot a pigeon walking to the beach and they were enjoy it after cooking over a fire. They insisted I try some and handed me a bone from the wing? It wasn’t gamey and tasted pretty much like all fowl. I was a bit nervous but was intrigued and didn’t want to offend. I continued to be awestruck by how generous the people of Vanuatu are. Here I am, by all measures a wealthy foreigner, and they insisted that I try the little bit of food they had. Absolutely amazing, kind, inquisitive, and generous people
Our conversation continued on and with music on in the background I asked about “String Band” music which is popular in Vanuatu. I learned most of the bands are from Port Vila but there are a few in Luganville too. Educated, next they put some music on for me to listen too. Not long before there was dancing and singing going on. So much fun. I had been away a few hours so I reluctantly said my goodbyes and carried on.
Near my paddleboard, was a man and three young men. The young men filling sand bags with sand from the beach while the man sat enjoying a hand rolled cigarette. He struck up a conversation and I learned he is building a house and sand/concrete since it was the least expensive method. Where? Luganville. Which surprised me as it was a half hour away, I would have thought sand was available closer but maybe private property made this the closest spot. We talked about our plans on Sky Pond and that we planned to leave in a few weeks for Brisbane. Turns out he drove a couple from another boat around a few days ago with the same plan but who were leaving sooner. Both that boat and Sky Pond are on their last legs of the journey and will be sold in Australia. Really needing to get back to start dinner, I said goodbye and off I went.
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