2009 saw us quite busy with video productions here in Vanuatu. Top the Bill, the video production and advertising business we created here over 3 years ago has been quite successful and seems appreciated by all here! We spent a minimum time in Port Vila, as we wanted to do some nice cruising around. We did finally sail to Noumea (New Caledonia) and spent there 4 months to explore Baie du Prony, Isle of Pines and Ouvea. We did haul out the boat and installed new boat equipment (new furler for the headsail, extra solar panels, new watermaker, …). Sloepmouche is in very good shape now after some hull repairs. During the last cruising season, we promoted several island festivals (Epi canoe race, SW bay Malekula ‘Nalawan’ festival, North Ambrym ‘Back to My Roots’ festival and Vanua Lava Days in the Banks). First time we explored the Banks and Torres, the northern most remote islands of Vanuatu. We did climb up Mt Garrett volcano in Gaua to do some filming and about 1 week later, the volcano suddenly got more active, spewing more noxious vapors and causing some villages to be evacuated! Lots of native culture was discovered and interesting activities to do for visitors! Cruising around Vanuatu to meet so many different cultures has been very interesting and rewarding. Vanuatu is a cruising ground that deserves several visits or a long stay as we did!
2009 saw us also getting interested in natural ways to take care of our health. We met some friends who gave us great testimonials about some naturopathic (alternative) medicines. Our health being our most precious capital, I think it is worth spending some time and effort in improving it!
Unfortunately, early August, a cruising friend passed away in strange circumstances in what could appear to be acute allergy to a harmless substance that has benefited many other people. (Including saving some lives from “untreatable “ conditions) Despite the fact that many people die from a simple aspirin or antibiotic from time to time, the husband blames that product and everyone involved (us who did tell her about it ). The poor husband is still waiting for autopsy results that would validate his accusations but most people (including several doctors) doubt that this product was the cause of the tragedy. In the meantime, this has been traumatic for us! We are all adults and responsible for our heath care and there is some risk in anything we do! But it should not stop us sharing information including health topics.
I recently made 5 video clips to introduce the Ni-Vanuatu dancers representing Vanuatu in Shangai at the World Fair from May to Nov. For the past year we’re also working on making 3 video films for each of Vanuatu’s 6 provinces… quite a job .. but it is the first time that most of Vanuatu tourist attractions are presented in comprehensive video productions. These movies will be used to promote Vanuatu overseas!
Jackie is doing well except for her arthritic finger pain (we work on that issue) and I do well (just more gray hair on the head despite our happy lifestyle Zenne, our now 4-year old Schipperke is a great companion and we hope to find her a boyfriend soon