And Counting...

Well, as most of you know it is now only a couple of weeks until I head off! Deep breath in! And, thankfully to my jumping nerves, the GAP coordinators have been staying in touch about what to expect and what to bring. So, I thought it was about time for an update.

First the boring stuff, and then I'll get into the pictures and juicy details!

When we arrive in Port Villa, having flown with Vanuatu Air, we'll be met by Charlie Tari (see below picture), a teacher at a school in Onesua. He'll take us to the Lucon Guest House in Villa where we'll meet Amanda Baereleo, who is the local GAP reprsenetitive (her photo's also below). We'll stay in Villa a couple of days organising travel and getting used to a different environment.


Charlie Tari


Amanda Baereleo

Next we'll be off to Nguna Island (North of Eftae) where we'll get out first taste of 'Village Life' through the experience of living with host families. It's here that we'll also do some courses on Bislama and the cultural way of life. About the 29th/30th of July Bec and I will head back to Pt Villa and then on to Paama using a Vanair Twin Otter Aircraft (see below).


Vanair Twin Otter Aircraft

When Bec and I arrive at Tavi Airfield we'll be met by someone from the school, possibly Molly Avok the Principle of Vaum Junior Secondary School (see her picture below). There are no trucks or cars or anything like that in Paama, so we'll be walking 40min either across hills or along the beach to get to Liro. Hopefully there'll be someone to give us a hand with our luggage :0). I know I've got plenty to go round (I went a little mad with stationary).


Molly Avak


Our Kastom House

Then it's on to the schools. We'll sort out with Molly which classes we'll be taking, and whether or not we'll be teaching at the local Primary School as well (I'd love to do this!) When we get to Paama it will be towards the end of their term 2 mid term break, so we'll be going straight into teaching without much time for orientation. I hope this works out okay... :-/ I've also been told that both the secondary and primary school are delighted to accept gifts of stationary, books and sporting equipment... hopefully that doesn't mean I'll use it as an excuse to go and buy more.

I also received feedback from two of the previous Gappers, Bradley and Christopher, who've enlightened me a little more as to what conditions are like on the island. There is actually electricity available from or near my accommodation, and even if it is for only 3 hours a night, it's better than nothing. I'll be teaching about 10 lessons a week with classes of approximately 20 students aged 12-15. I've been told to watch out for the roosters crowing at 4am, but that I'll eventuallly get used to it. I've also been told that travel can be rather hard as once you get on to Paama island, it's rather difficult to get off... Despite this, there is plenty of opportunity for travel not only during the school holidays, but during sports carnivals and public holidays. I'm really looking forward to seeing just how much I can explore while I'm over there. I was also warned about boredom, but after Big W I don't think that will be a huge issue for me.

There is food readily available, I don't think I'll come back half my size, but they do suggest that I bring tinned tomatoes, pasta, tinned powdered milk and lots and lots of spices and gravox. I can understand this having tasted a bit of South Pacific Cuisine myself. With a little gas stove, access to a phone, and my own living room and bedroom (shared with Bec of course) this placement is beginning to sound as good as home. Still, while there are a few phones on the island please don't get excited, the lack of electricity makes communication rather hard - I'll still be sending snail mail :0) Overall, these few extra things I've learned have propelled my excitement and nervousness over the steadily approaching departure date. It sure will be an experience I'll never forget!