The Great Escape

Vanuatu flag

Here's my first journey in Vanuatu. I went there for work purpose: my company is going replace 2 engines in Port-Vila power plant.
So I went there to prepare the site for my technicians, see our clients etc...
It's a 1 month mission: so I'll be back around April 20th to act as the "inspector of finished works". By then I won't forget my camera so that you'll be able to enjoy some pictures! (silly me...)

This journey was... frustrating. I noticed all the awesome and beautiful places this country owns: there are so many. But 4 days spent is very short; I just stayed on Efate island, preparing the mission. I'll be back on the other islands for sure!!

First impressions: Vanuatu is a developing country. Electricity is only available on 4 islands, there are only 2 cities, most people live in huts...
3 languages are spoken: French, English and Bishlamar, which is a mixture of French, English and local dialects. For example: "Slow down = Slo daon". However it's a bit complicated to understand when your ear isn't used to it...

I tested the national beverage: Kava which is drunk in places called "Nakamal". At first this is a tribal beverage that people drank in ceremonies. It is made from powdered roots of pepper and water. The taste is terrible (as if you swallowed earth) but it gives you the "kava effect": high and peaceful feeling (like alcohol or cannabis).

Hi everyone.

Today's April 2nd 2010 and I decided to create a blog to share my experiences of travelling.
For the beginning I'll describe trips I've already done these past years mostly to learn how this all blog-thing works... and also because I'm currently working and don't have so many free time to enjoy globetrotting.
This leads us to THE goal I want to achieve: travelling around the world!!!
Discovering new cultures, enjoying the beauty of nature and architectures, chilling in the best places of our planet are some of my motivations. I'd also like to find the ultimate place to stay for a living but for the moment I want to learn and share new experiences...
So I planned to do a big backpacking journey around Earth. This should start by the end of 2010 or the beginning of 2011. This blog will be a mean to inform you (family, friends, relatives, people who randomly found this blog...) where I am and what's interesting here and there...

For the moment I'm saving money and planning the beginning of the big adventure.
I currently work in New Caledonia as an engineer in power and mining maintenance. I came from France just after my graduation in December 2008.

To begin with I'll focus on Oceania and Asia. Trecking in New Zealand and Himalaya, reaching Europe through Central Asia are some ideas for a start... But we'll enjoy that later...

Let's keep in touch and feel free to leave tips or messages.

For those who hadn't noticed english isn't my mother tongue.
I apologize for the faults. By the way don't hesitate to correct me: this would give me free lessons to improve my english speaking! ^^