How did we end up here?

So somehow I always want a peaceful night at hoe and end up undertaking some grand adventure. Last night I headed over to two volunteers house, where we made some vegetable and cream cheese sushi rolls, drank wine, and attempted to play clue. They decided it was time to watch a James Bond movie and I decided it was time to go back to the Formule and go to sleep. After the 20 minute walk back to my hotel I was ready to sack out for the night. As I walked through the hotel I hear, “hey look what the cat dragged in! Perfect timing we are heading out!” To which I responded “Sori Fren, bae I go long slip nao.” (Sorry friends but I must go to sleep now.) Well some how I allowed them into talking me into just going out for one beer. This was at 2230; I finally went to sleep at 0530 this morning.

We started off at the Waterfront where we got our groove on. The band was happy to see us back there, as we were the life of the party the night before. The previous night we danced until the place closed down. They even came up to me and Bridget after we were swinging and gave us each a shot. I asked “from wanem?” and she said because we were the best dancers out there! To which I replied, “mitufala i stap danis nomo, hemi no gat wan narafala man i danis long placia!!” (We are the only two people dancing!) She laughed and gave us out drinks. I hope we were not that bad? But this night the place was full of tourist and so we danced a little but decided to head down the road to the Voodoo bar.

As we left a man said hey you going to Voodoo? I will give you a ride. So we climbed into the back of his pickup and headed to the Voodoo. We danced until about 0330. I am not sure how, but not one person from our group bought drinks that night. Every time we headed to the bar someone bought a round for us. I met all sorts of interesting people from various places. Each one with there own interesting story as to why they were in Vanuatu.

We ended up getting a ride home from the same guy who drove us to the Voodoo. Wow what a ride that was! Once back to our hotel we decided it would be a good idea to go swimming so the four of us climbed in the pool and did not get out until sometime after 0500. I love this group of volunteers. Everyone is up for anything.

Well after getting a few hours sleep I got up and started packing up spices and gear to take to my site on Monday. I must say I am a little worried about the ship ride to site. I think it is about a 24-36 hour trip. This is not like a ferry in the states or Europe. But I will say more about that after I make the journey.

Well tonight we had heard about the water dancers and some fire dancers doing a performance at The Sebel, which is a very nice hotel. I walked out the back door of the Sebel into the pool yard that over looks the ocean and Irriki Island. I looked around at all the well groomed people in their nice designer shirts and dresses. I quickly realized that I was way under dressed. As we walked down the steps to the pool there was a waitress holding tray of beer, and then a waitress holding a tray of beer, and a third with red wine. We walked past as I we knew that those drinks must be expensive. The four of us laughed as it all seemed so strange. We looked like a bunch of dirty hippies in the middle of high society philanthropy. Well next thing I know a gentleman is getting our attention and telling us to come the steps. I had a feeling our luck had run out and he was about to say I am sorry but you must leave. I would have said okay and left. But No! He says here grab some wine or beer or champagne. Then they came by with platters of shrimp and other tasty little treats. I was in complete awe. Why was this happening? Well after about 30 minutes of being there someone asked us what table we were at. Ummm… table? That was our cue for exit stage left. Apparently it was a private affair for some vary wealthy business owners. Oh well. We had a great time crashing their party. I am still amazed that we lasted there as long as we did.