Jenny spent the last few days running around, doing lots of errands and last minute dashes to collect the odd assortment of items one forgets one uses on a day-to-day basis unless one is suddenly without them.
With a last dinner had(Indian takeaways: something not quite so common in Vanuatu…), a bag full of said assorted practical goods, and a smile that lit up more than just a room, she was off.
Of course despite the flight being so late at night (2335 or 11.35pm) it was running on true “Island Time” but this took a bit of pressure off when most of the extra half an hour was spent explaining to the check in staff at the airport just why she was going to be up there for more than 30 days (Kiwis autmatically get 30 days to be in Vanuatu but to stay longer need an extension). Hearing of the adventures to be had, the ladies on the counter all got rather excited and made the process pleasantly smooth (although somewhat delayed). It did mean she got a seat in the second row of the plane.
Meanwhile, fit to bursting with excitement, Phil headed ashore to speak to a local taxi driver and organise for someone to be waiting at the airport with Jenny’s name on a sign despite it being 0215 (2.15am) when she would eventually touchdown.
He was so excited that neither fell asleep until 0430 (4.30am) for all the catching up to be had.
Today was a day of organising an extended tourism visa for Jenny, more catching up, lunch at Beef House, back to customs with passport in hand (necessary items that get forgotten when one has only had a tiny bit of sleep), more chatting, and giggling at each other while making the most of the WiFi at Beef House to send updates home.
Love it!