Unique Experiences and Disappointments in Vanuatu: A Personal Journey

Vanuatu is a beautiful island nation with a rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. However, my visit there introduced me to both breathtaking experiences and unexpected challenges. In this article, I will share my top three unique experiences that I would highly recommend, and the disappointing encounters I had, especially dealing with pesky insects.

The Bar to Bean Experience: Making Your Own Chocolate

For a chocolate lover like me, the 'Bar to Bean' experience at Project Chocolate in St. Lucia was a dream come true. It's one of the major cocoa producers in the world, and some of the finest chocolatiers get their supplies here. The tour took me through the cocoa farm and processing plant, where I learned about the entire cocoa production process. The real treat, of course, was making my own personalized chocolate bar to take home. It was a journey from the cocoa bean to the final product, and the satisfaction of holding my very own, one-of-a-kind chocolate bar was unforgettable.

Hiking the Ens Bas Saut Trail: A Memorable Adventure

The Ens Bas Saut Trail is a popular hiking route that offers stunning views and a rare glimpse into the island's diverse flora and fauna. The trail, which means 'under the waterfall,' was a true adventure. After a 40-50 minute hike, you'll reach a waterfall. It's worth stopping for a refreshing swim before you continue your journey. Keep your eyes peeled for the Saint Lucian Parrot, a rare and unique creature that calls this trail home.

Experiencing the Authentic St. Lucian Island Life: A Market and Nature

Getting out there and experiencing the authentic St. Lucian island life is an experience to cherish. You can start by checking out the markets in Castries, where you'll get a sense of the vibrant nature of the island. Don't miss one of St Lucia's nature parks to see the rich biodiversity. The island's exotic micro-ecosystem is home to fantastic bird species, butterflies, insects, trees, plants, herbs, and fruits. Lastly, don't forget to check out the Gros Islet Street Party. It's a true celebration of island life, where everyone sings, dances, and party like they're having the time of their lives.

The Battle with March Flies: An Unwelcome Encounter

While the natural beauty and adventure in Vanuatu were truly enchanting, my visit was marred by the pesky march flies. These blood-thirsty insects are incredibly difficult to avoid. They can easily see polarized light and dark colors, making them a challenge to dodge on the sand or in the water. Any resistance to their bites only provokes a more frenzied attack. Despite wearing heavy fabrics, such as rashguards, or stripes, which some studies suggest can deter them, they still find a way to latch on.

My first encounter with the march flies was at Shack Bay, a private paradise that had been my haven of solace. The tranquility of the place was shattered by these flying beasts. They appeared suddenly, and their bites were nothing short of painful. Standard insect repellents were ineffective, as the flies could zoom in for a bite before being repelled. I was forced to resort to extreme measures, such as retreat to a car, or even defence tactics like using a bike helmet.

However, the worst of my encounters was not with the march flies alone. On one occasion, I wandered into a local aboriginal's territory near the water. The man, who had tattoos and was fiercely protective, mistook me for a distant relative of Captain Cook and began a heated exchange, where he threatened to cut out my kidneys. The situation quickly escalated, and I was forced to flee with a battered bike helmet as my only protection.

My time in Vanuatu was a mix of incredible experiences and frustrating encounters, but it shaped my perspective on both the beauty and the challenges of this beautiful island.