We arrived in Pt Vila Tues morning after an overnight sail from Erromango Island. We have been tied up at the waterfront since, being central to the lovely fresh fruit and veg market. A well stocked supermarket full of Australian & NZ imports is a short walk up the road. So we have been busy provisioning for the next part of our trip. We have met up again with Graeme off 'Lavinda', whom we met on the Tassie trip in Feb. He has cruised these waters before, so has given us lots of advice on interesting anchorages north of here. We will stay in this area for a week or so until our daughter Claire arrives next Saturday evening. We will then head north as Claire will fly out from Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo after two weeks cruising with us. We are all looking forward to the catch up. Vanuatu Independence Day was on Thursday but contrary to what we'd heard, celebrations in the city area were almost non existent. We were expecting grand street parades but other than a few speeches in the morning at Independence Park, close by, not much else happened to signify it was Independence Day, which was rather disappointing. Pt Vila seems to be the tourist mecca for many Australians..many are staying at the resorts around the island or come in by cruise ship. However, the Aussie accent abounds! The town itself is a mixture of old & new buildings but overall seems quite disorderly. However, the locals are extremely friendly and very polite. It also helps that most of the locals speak English. Many to their credit, also speak French and the local Bislama (Pidgin English).