can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Paw Paw - Log Days 237 & 238: A Glimpse into Local Life




Yesterday we decided to leave the cruisers social scene in Neiafu behind and head out of town to get a better glimpse into local life here. We combined our walk with a hike up Mt Talau on one of the western peninsulas of Uta Vava'u Island.

While it was lovely to get the exercise and enjoy the beautiful views over the Vava'u Group, when it was still somewhat sunny, it was definitely an eye-opener to see the level of poverty here, as well as the amount of garbage strewn around. Although Niuatoputapu was poor, it was neat and tidy for the most part and the locals were far friendlier and engaging. We've actually experienced the exact opposite here, with our greetings being point-blank ignored the majority of the time.

Our theory for this relates to expat and cruiser fatigue. These islands have been overwhelmed, and we would go so far as to say, overrun by expats from Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada and China owning and running all the businesses, while the locals still try to continue their traditional lifestyle of subsistence living. They seem lost between trying to hold on to their culture, while being dragged into a more western one. A great similarity with Africa unfortunately.

With the cold and overcast weather returning, we headed back and enjoyed lunch at the Mango Café, before snuggling in the saloon for a popcorn and movie marathon.

This morning we had a lovely walk over the causeway to Pangaimotu Island to enjoy a Sunday Brunch at Vava'u Villa, before returning to Paw Paw to get some chores out of the way and undertake some preliminary planning for our passage to Fiji.

77fb4dd9-3a11-4d68-9b0a-53fd10cbda67550102528 
68d20380-d99f-4e7c-8289-f79f317f47c8729514235 
563abb78-cc69-420b-bf4f-fc480faecedd67309154


Previous | Next