Jonny and Dianes Great Adventure: Melsisi and Waterfall Village

There are some really great things that happen when you're out and about in the middle of nowhere and they're often the simplest. Really makes you smile. We tramped up the hill, hungry and tired to find a chap with a little shack. Inside was a wood fired oven, looked like it was ancient, from which this guy had just pulled a batch of freshly baked bread. The smell of it, cor heaven. I was in awe just looking at the rows of perfectly baked bread. Well I guess we can thank the French missionaries for teaching the locals many years ago and the tradition goes on. So we stuffed our faces with the lovely warm bread and sat waiting for the Sister to turn up and give us lodgings for the night.

It was actually a couple of lads that rolled up. Oxford University grads Richard and Will. A couple of endearing fellows that welcomed us into their humble abode. They had been teaching at the local school since February and were staying for a year. Just great to have a brew and chat away with a couple of Brits. They offered dinner and disappeared into the kitchen and knocked up some chow. I think I might send the guys a recipe book when I get home. They returned with what I would describe as a medley of various boiled veggies thrown together with boiled eggs and then kneaded a bit to squelch it all into a ball. A dollop of which went on each plate with a hunk of bread. The thing is I have a sneaky feeling it was one of their tried and tested recipes from Uni. Am I right ? Who cares it tasted absolutely great and was just what we needed.

After we had seen off the food, they suggested a trip to the local Nakamal for a few shells of cava. The Nakamal is like the local pub. Nice one, Diane hadn't tried the lovely cava so far... now there was gonna be no ducking out :) It was a beautiful starry night, bats flying around and the sea gently lapping. Nakamals are always in darkness save for a small red light as the cava makes your eyes sensitive to bright light. We all stood with coconut shells at the ready. I told Di to take a deep breath and hold her nose. Didn't want her throwing up - put me right off my cava :). Down in one, wait for the stomach to stop rolling and then start spitting, it's hilarious. We sat chatting and laughing and had a really great night. Cheers to Richard and Will, best of luck for the rest of your time in Vanuatu and hopefully we may get to return the favour back in Blighty ?