VANUATU

 Our last port of call before home. We have been there before, had done the glass bottom boat trip twice, this time we ooted for A taste of Vanuatu, thinking they would druve us around to see differeht places on the island.

Not so, jyst meant that we didnt really study the burg in great depth, is at all.

Our taste tour was just that. After a drive through town and then countryside, past a nice looking golf course which had holes on each side of the road, we turned into a plantation. It was a coffee place.

Waiting for the bus, it was raining, we were able to get seats under cover.

A tour of the coffee being prepared. Beans are grown on ths island, before covid, they used to be fliwn to Melbourne to be roasted, now they do them here in what used to be a church. Three difference types, roasted to different degrees for different times. We were invited to smell each one and it was possible to detect changes between them.

Coffee shop was next door and we could chose what type of coffee we wanted to taste. I didnt buy any but will see if I can buy it here.

Suitably topped up with caffine, it was back on the bus for another twenty minute drive to a chocolate factory.

Coco beans. Four islands grow the beans for the chocolate. We were gicen a taste of each one then we moved onto the flavoured ones. Coffee, ginger, coconut and sea salt. The plain chocolate was nothing but the beans and sugar. My favourits was the sea salt one. We did buy some bars from there.

Rum tasting, all six types! This place was just up the road.

Barrels of rum.

The factory, all gleaming copper tubes

We sat in the small bars and sux glasses were set up  in front of us and iced water, I assume tk drink between each taste. They were proper rum glasses and filked about half, no one but me tried the first one on our table. I took a tiny sip, oh my it was strong. Warren had a sip of mine. We both like rum but I coukdnt have drunk any more, it was really strong. A full glass of coke would have been good to mix with it.

Several on our tour bought bottles, dont know the price but assume it was cheaper than at home. Tour was for three hours, 8.45am start back by 12. It was closer to two by the time we got back on board.  Nice trip. Didnt realise that they had such industries on the island.