When you go to Vanuatu first you notice its stunning nature. In some point, when breathing that fresh air and admiring that beautiful turquoise sea, you hear this strong *kiss*noice and if you're a woman you might wonder: "Who dares to call me so obscenely?!" But don't get offended, the locals use this call instead of a whistle. They even stop the taxis with it! (I don't know how common this is elsewhere in the world, but it was new to me and I wish I could do it)

People in Port Vila and Vanuatu general are very beautiful and when you get to know them you find them very relaxed, funny and happy people. They'll propably introduce you to the rootdrink 'kava' which tastes and looks like mud and makes your tongue go numb and if you're brave enough to drink few glasses, you should become quite relaxed or should I say fairly merry. You can find it in stores, but if you want to try it with the locals just follow stormlamps.
You should also taste Vanuatu's special treat: coconut crab. It is absolutely divine, but quite expensive too. It is also selled fresh sometimes in the Marketplace, where you find all the basic and exotic veges, fruits and flowers.
You'll propably notice that all the imported products are very often more expensive than in your own country. That's because there can be imported only a little, 'cause there's not much buyers and it's quite far at the ocean. Vanuatu is still quite primitive country.

People in Port Vila like to have fun and part of the fun is very rich nightlife. You can change from bar to bar by taxi, bus(blue or black van) or public transport(back of a truck). Small trips costs usually 100 vatu (less than 1 euro).

You get most of the place when you are open to new things and be a little adventurous.

PO Cruises out of Australia offer very cheap last minute deals - sometimes even including free flights to get you to the port from another Aussie city... check 3-6 days before a cruise. I did this for my honeymoon - it was ace. Totally bogan aussie - but an easy easy way to travel around the South Pacific

Maat people moved to Efate Island about 50 years ago from South East Ambrym... when a local volcano was in danger of erupting and local gardens were continually covered in volcanic ash. Maat people now live on Mele land; hence, they refer to their village as Mele-Maat. When entering the villages if you show respect and wear island dress then you will be very warmly received. The people are very friendly but watch out for the local dogs (they will surround you and try to attack because they are not treated like pets) and if you carry a stick to defend yourself then you should be fine... all the kids will come running to chase the dogs away if you get into real trouble. There is Solomon's grave at the front of the Presbyterian church... he was a man who helped bring Christianity into his community and is highly respected for that. There is cheap backpacker accommodation available in the village... see Pastor Fred Weiran at the Presbyterian Church for information... get a bus from Vila to Mele-Maat from outside one of the Chinese stores (just ask a local exactly where to wait and they will help flag down a Mele bus if you ask) then just ask one of the local kids for directions to see Pastor Fred or Rossmi Lik to arrange accommodation. Mele-Maat village is located directly opposite the Cascades waterfalls... one of Efate's major natural attractions... a very beautiful part of the world. Take your insect repellant or (preferrably) Avon's skin-so-soft oil which will stop all insects coming near. Nightlife is mostly in Vila but you might get invited to a local party. Most village activities stop for weddings and funerals. Such an interesting place if you are interested in cultures.

Take plenty of water and wear loads of sunscreen, and be very clear with your friendly island folk if you're not interested in going on a tour you havent previously organised. Other than that enjoy the shopping!