Going Back

We left Mare in the late afternoon and sailed to Port Vila, Vanuatu, docking around 8.30am on Thursday 30th. Gibbo and Drew went off to organise a taxi bus for the day while Mum, Meg and I had a quick look at the markets that set up just near where the ship docks. It's a much more organised affair than in previous years.

We hired a driver, Joseph, and set off. We drove through town and then out to a small village where we took a 5 minute tour. Then we drove, not far, to the jetty where a small boat took us across to Hideaway Island. I'd been really looking forward to this visit. We were last here 14 years ago, then year I turned 40, during a holiday at Le Lagon resort; the kids were 14 and 9! It was where I first snorkelled; I can still remember the wonder of life under the sea and how I sat in chest deep water and practiced breathing with a snorkel. Then when I started swimming around I couldn't stop giggling like a little girl; it was magical! So Hideaway Island has always held a special place in my memory and I've sometimes thought about coming back to spend a week here (we've been back to Vanuatu on cruises on two occasions but haven't made the journey to the island).

It has barely changed; in fact, everything was exactly as I remembered it! I was so pleased. It's such a gem of a place. The fish were plentiful and beautiful; the last fish I saw before I got out of the water was my favourite - a pink/blue/green/aqua one! A good omen.

I'm coming back some day, come what may.