The mighty Yasur Volcano

Facts about Tanna:
Home of the world's most accessible volcano
Home of local Vanuatu coffee (mum and dad saw a coffee tree....)
Over 20 languages throughout the island
Southern most port where yachties can clear customs (for vanuatu)
Has the best cultural tour in all the WORLD!!

Hey All!

Well, its been so fantastic having family here the last few weeks! My cuzzie Trina came for a week to do some filming for VSA which was awesome. She hung out at work with me and filmed what was happening, so that will go in a dvd to show schools, and unis about volunteering. Then Mum and Dad arrived and my much awaited week off work has been so much fun! Its been great showing mum and dad round, introducing them to my friends and workmates. I think they have enjoyed it too! I've managed to get to a few touristy places I hadn't been too so that was nice, some cool waterfalls and - most excitingly - Yasur Volcano on Tanna island!!!

Yasur Volcano -

We were met at the airport by a truck which took us to the other end of Tanna, lots of kids on the road, and small villages every so often. Eventually, we got to the ash fields at the base of the volcano which was such a different landscape. It was like being on the moon....or what the moon might look like....anyway, a quick stop at our jungle bungalows (thatch rooves, holey mossie nets, and damp dirty beds), then it was straight up the volcano for dusk. So we drove most of the way up and then walked the last wee bit right up to the crater rim. As the sun went down and it got darker the volcano became more and more impressive. We had a few really big explosions, which spat out huge bits of red hot rock into the air. It was the most impressive fireworks ever! And just unreal standing so close and hearing the thudding of the red hotr rocks as they hit the ground and you realised just how big they were! Any big explosion was followed by the sound a second or so later, along with a heat rush from the rocks. SO IMPRESSIVE!!! Good adrenalin rush!

The next morning we experienced the most scary/amusing.realistic cultural experience I've ever had, and probably will have. We were led through the bush and then left to make our own way, at which point several traditionally dressed men jumped out of the bushes and pretended we were the first white people they had seen. Complete with clubs, body paint and screaming, it was quite frightening! As we progressed through the bush they acted out how they caught pigs, made food, made fire (rubbing the sticks method), and how they made mats out of leaves....very impressive acting! They never slipped out of character, even as they were discussing which one of us would be the best option for eating...I think they were deciding on dad.....

The only regret is that we didnt stay longer! But a good taste of things to be experienced outside of Vila and the big city here.

My week off has gone far too quick but mum and dad are still here for another week which will be awesome.

More stories soon!