NY Times on Vanuatu

Remember Vanuatu? I'm sure you couldn't have forgotten the happiest country on Earth? Well the NY Times features a fine write-up by Jeffery Gettleman who shares his experiences on just a few of the 83 islands that comprise Vanuatu, an area in the South Pacific between Australia and Fiji. When in Tanna, somewhere deep in the jungle our author explores the taste of Kava and the three rules of drinking the beverage. (Don't sniff, don't stare, don't sip.) Aside from Kava, Jeffery finds the biggest lure to Tanna is Mount Yasur - one of the most active, accessible volcanoes in the world.

The most interesting part of the journey is (hands-down) the island Malakula. On this particular end-of-the-road isle villagers practice the ancient art of head elongation, but in the event you can't make it to that side of the island you can always opt for a cannibal hike. Sounds spooky doesn't it? I'll admit after I read the piece on Vanuatu being the happiest place on Earth I wanted to rush there myself and still do! Judging from this NY Times story it seems as though there is a lot more diversity in Vanuatu's wild side than I imagined and let's not forget the beautiful beaches.

Want to plan your own escape to the country/islands? Ready to be happy all over again? Go read Jeffery's story and then go book your flight.

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Stories, Oceania, Vanuatu