The island of Tanna boasts a distinct, untamed beauty that includes a combination of lush tropical rainforests and rugged landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. Its cultural heritage remains strong, with traditional Kastom villages preserving ancient customs and ways of life.  Kastom, a Melanesian word, refers to the traditional customs, beliefs, and practices of the Ni-Vanuatu people, encompassing their social, cultural, and spiritual life.  Our exploration began with traveling to one of the Kastom village, an adventure in itself, riding in the back of a pickup truck through the jungle, traversing via a narrow, winding road with banks rising on either side and crossing a river bed. Needless to say it was not the most comfortable ride sitting on narrow wooden benches and being jolted by the many potholes.

Arriving at one of the Kastom village was like stepping into another world. Here, the people still live their traditional ways without the traps of the internet in their daily life’s. Gender roles are clearly defined in their society. The women greeted us as we arrived dined in their traditional costume and with beautiful face paintings in the color of the national flag. After receiving a welcome necklace we gathered to watch a demonstration of their dances.

Watching their dancing with the stunning backdrop and thundering booms of Mt. Yasur volcano was astonishing. We have been privileged to observe many local communities' dances on our trip but until now we did not always understand the meaning of the songs and demonstrations. Here however, the footwork, bouncing and drums  matched the rumble of the volcano and the connection to the volcano was palpable. 

After the traditional dances, the men demonstrated how to start a fire and how to create a sling to transport an injured person using kava leaves while the women offered us some of their handicrafts and tastes of their local food.   

To thank The World ARC fleet gathered canned goods for donation into a couple of woven baskets given to us for that purpose. 

After the visit to the Kastom village we drove to a view point of the active volcano of Mount Yasur. After a steep climb we found ourselves at the edge of the rim right at dusk and were able to witness many small eruptions.  Yasur is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is known as the Lighthouse of the Pacific because of its regular eruptions for hundreds of years. While it has been erupting almost continuously for hundreds of years it is usually safe!

On our final day in Port Resolution, the entire World ARC fleet participated in a gift exchange with the village, consisting of six tribes. It was a moving and humbling experience. Our welcome was exceptional and quite colorful, the  school children sang us a welcome song and in response the World ARC kids and families sang songs we had prepared.

 Following the singing, we presented our gifts and in return the local families brought gifts for us, baskets filled with local fruits and vegetables and beautifully decorated with plants and flowers as well as some woven handcrafts, mats, fans and bags. Each boat in turn went to choose a gift from the pile until we had taken all the gifts. Their generosity was such that most boats ended up with several baskets! On Saltair, we will cherish a handwoven crossbody bag, a couple of feather sticks which are part of the traditional attire and lots of delicious fruits and vegetables. This small island off the beaten track has totally won our hearts and will remain a highlight of our journey.