The Maskelynes, Awai Island, Malekula. Upon hearing that the anchorage in Lamen Bay, north of where we were, was very rolly, we decided to head to the Maskelynes which are in the southern part of the island of Malekula. South Malekula is well know for its traditional way of life and customs. Many villagers only migrated from the bush in 1969 to lead Christian lives, and they still retain many customs learned from their ancestors and continue to practice them. The Maskelynes are a group of islands off the southern end of Malekula. They are just gorgeous with most having coral reefs with excellent diving and snorkeling. Sharks are not as much a problem here as they are further up north. In fact, further north most villagers bathe in the rivers rather than the sea for fear of sharks. After a rather boisterous sail over, we find shelter from the wind and seas behind Awai island. It is not a very large anchorage and with a few other boats already there it takes a little while but we eventually find a spot. Only a few families live on Awai island and they are all very friendly. They show us around their village and we trade fuel for bananas and paw paws. The children are excited when we give them colored pencils and coloring books. Children as young as 6 and 8 years old, paddle to school across a large bay all by themselves and infants are allowed to play with machetes. Kids here are taught responsibility at a very early age. Finally we meet up with Destiny and Baraka as they sail into our bay. They are heading south to Port Vila as soon as the wind angle is favorable as beating into the trades is something to avoid. Not a very pleasant ride and it would also use up a lot of fuel. We decide that since our time is getting short here in Vanuatu and going any more north would make for an unpleasant trip back that we would head back to Port Vila with the rest of the boats. In a few days we get a more favorable wind change and head south with Destiny. The wind is hard on the nose and we have a wet and bumpy ride back to Havannah Harbor and then on to Port Vila. Port Vila reminds us of Neiafu, Tonga. Boats are all on moorings and a great restrauant and bar at the dingy dock called The Waterfront. The town has a great vegi market that is open 24 hrs a day Mon-Fri. In 2006, Vanuatu was voted the happiest place on earth. Family and church are very important to these people and their monetary and materialistic needs are very little. Humm. Is there a message here? We spend our time touring the island and eating out way too much. On one of our tours, we visit a WWII Museum and are treated to the sight of Old Glory flying out front. We joined the ICA rally to New Caledonia and there is quite a bit of activities socializing involved. The main reason we joined was because we could check into Ouvea in the Loyalty islands of New Caledonia instead of having to check into Noumea and then having to backtrack out to Ovuea. A real plus as it involves an overnight passage each way. Another plus is that we have met a lot of new cruising friends. We wish we could have seen more of the islands in Vanuatu, but instead of trying to see everything quickly, we decide on slowing down to really enjoy the places we are able to visit. From what we have heard, Tanna is the real jewel of Vanuatu and most cruisers we met didn't get a chance to go. We feel very fortunate that we were able to spend some time there and that the weather cooperated as well. Now we prepare to leave with 35 other boats for a two day trip to the Loyalties in New Caledonia. Half of the boats that are slower, leave on Sat. The other half, which includes us, leave on Sun. Always sad leaving, but a new excitement in our future destination.