A little on the ladies....
We all met in 2005 and there were 5 of us. All working in the same department at a hotel in Melbourne, a department of about 20 never stood a chance with the 5 of us. It was an amazing year running a muck, taking trips away and growing up together. During our time together one of us brought a beautiful little girl into the world, another got deported back to Russia (just kidding she left on her own accord), we went horse riding and I laugh out loud each time I think about it and who can forget the famous camel toe picture from our roadie together. And thanks to a great show called Little Britian we became the self named ‘ladies’.So back in Port Vila, sitting in the International terminal at Bauerfield Airport at midnight, I patiently wait for my arrivals. Thinking through the good times and anticipating the next couple of days I was excited. They finally exit customs and I the surprise the hell out of them by picking them up at this late hour. A couple of squeals and big hugs later we leave the airport and head off for the resort. And that’s how quick it took to go back 6 years to where it all began.
As I was working for the majority of their stay the ladies took full advantage of the pool, cocktail service, beach and lagoon. Cut to the night after their arrival and we head into town for a mates farewell bash. A bottle of wine later, meeting a lot of Vila friends and a shot or 5 of tequila for the boys, our host passes out in his own restaurant lying flat on his back across 3 chairs. So what happens next? Well someone finds a permanent marker and we (some more than others) go to work on our blank canvas for our best Picasso piece yet. He never saw it coming poor bugger. Unfortunately I don’t have any pics to share but the end result was absolutely hilarious and made 10 times funnier by the fact that a friend took him out on the town with all that crap on his face. What a farewell to Vila! 
The ladies however ventured into a little place I like to call Voodoo. I’ve talked about this place before and truth be known for a Thursday it was a little quite but that didn’t stop us from tearing it up on the dance floor (mostly by ourselves) and having a great time. Mar got right into the stripper pole action which was pretty impressive!Friday night I took the girls to fire dancing and then one of my favourite places here – War Horse Saloon Bar. The owner Don is pretty nifty at cards but we won one round of tricks and scored a free drink each. Add to that some beef ribs, ¾ of a chicken, more cocktails, 2 dogs, an oversize pig, a cat ringing a bell on the bar and a Lionel Ritchie obsessed Ni-Vanuatu band and you’ve got a typical night out at the Saloon Bar.
We headed out of town on Saturday afternoon for a late lunch and time on the beach. This was the first real time I had to spent with the girls and it was so nice walking along the beach, collecting gorgeous shells and catching up on each other’s lives. A quick change at home and Saturday night brought more fun and laughs at dinner with some more expat friends. We once again head out on the town and with that bought more dancing, fun and lots and lots and photos!Sunday was an early start but we headed out to the amazing Havana Harbor ready for our Congoola Cruise. This sail boat was in the original Sydney to Hobart race but unfortunately there was no sailing for us just the smell of motor fumes up front. That aside it was an absolute magical day out on the water. Our first stop was Tranquillity Island to see the turtles at the turtle sanctuary. These little guys are very cute. The sanctuary is run locally and takes in approx 300 turtles a year and tags and releases them when it’s time.
Back on the sail boat we sailed around to the other side of the island to our very own private beach. We spent the rest of the day here lounging in the sun, snorkelling (well I was snorkelling the girls were flailing around like fish on dry land), reading our books and enjoying this tranquil place. All too soon it was time to get back onboard and head for home. The sails did go up on the boat when we were heading for shore but this did nothing for our forward movement as we started to move backwards. Makes me wonder how those poor folk made it to Hobart!So with some very patchy sun tan lines, funny stories and a lot of laughs and giggles the ladies short but sweet reunion came to an end. We plan not to wait another 6 years for the next one so watch this space for more world adventures with this country girl and her ladies!
