Made it to Malekula!
Feb 12th, 2020 – Lakatoro
So I’ve finally made it to the village of Lakatoro, on the island of Malekula, where my assignment is to be based!
It was a very sunny day, temps well into the 30s, but with all the water about after the last few days, I can honestly say I’ve had drier steam baths, and so the apparent temperature was well into the 40s.
I had a relaxed breakfast on the balcony of the digs I had been in for the last few days, and then Brigitte came to pick me up to take me to Santo airport.
This time, there was no stopping us! We checked in, weighing ourselves again, and after a few hot hours wait, we got to board the plane! A twin-otter, it was the smallest plane I’ve ever flown on. The flight was only fifteen minutes long, making it the shortest flight I’ve ever been on, too. So many firsts in one day!
Kevin is my counterpart. He works for the Provincial Government of Malampa, and it is therefore alongside and with him that I’m going to be working. He seems a solid chap so far, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know him better.
Kevin apologised, but he had to do some work, so he took us to my lodgings, and then Brigitte gave us a walking tour of the village of Lakatoro. I’ve taken quite a few photos, but the village is quite spread out through the jungle, so it’s not easy to capture in a single photo.
The road from the airport and through the village is tarred – it was sealed last year, apparently, financed and built by the Chinese.
After exploring the town, we went for a meal with the only other two VSA volunteers on Malekula, Dave and Andrea, wine growers from Marlborough who as I understand it are trying to help a farming project here on the island. I look forward to getting to know them, although after the coming weekend they are returning to NZ for a couple of weeks to attend a wedding, so I’ll be the only VSA on the island, which is both a touch scary and exhilarating.
Jen and H are leaving for a holiday with Nana and Grandpa in Cuba today. I’m missing them sorely. I guess I’ll be busy over the next couple of days settling in, so at least that will take my mind off them. Further blog postings to follow as I discover new things here!
6 thoughts on “Made it to Malekula!”
What does ‘ Norsup’ mean? – Soft slippers
It’s the name of the airport. International code NRS. Not quite as busy as LHR, but very efficient baggage retrieval system!
Your meals look so good!
Now I feel guilty about my comment Cameron. I admire your spirit. When we were young camping we had to use an outhouse – ask Aunt Dianne about the use of clothespegs sometime. You might need them in your new digs! Love Aunt Lynne
Yes, Cameron, I remember the clothes peg incident. One Summer our parents rented a cottage which had an outdoor toilet. There was a clothes peg hanging by the door of the outhouse which we didn’t know what it was for until we went inside & realized it was for our nose! I wonder if Malekula stocks clothes pegs & room deodorizer! Good luck! Aunt Dianne
Cameron this looks really awesome, what an experience and very brave of you!
I’ll be following your blog with excitement for you and complete awe, good luck!