November 30, 2025
Mystery Island is our first Port that was actually an uninhabited island. No one lives here, all that is really there is a landing strip ( from WW2) and a few shack type buildings. The land is owned by people who live on nearby islands, but they believe this island is haunted at night! During the day, if a cruise ship is in port, they will come over and offer massages, umbrella & chair rentals, lobster & coconuts and local crafts.
No one sure where name Mystery Island came from - one theory is Japanese couldn't see air strip from sea and thus couldn't tell where planes were coming and going too in WW2. Queen Elizabeth visited Mystery Island back when cruising by on her beloved Yacht. We loved our relaxing day there ! Easy tender ride from our ship - we could go back and forth for lunch. Beautiful beach and water. Just had a lazy relaxing chill day catching up with friends.
Vanuatu is also know for being a land with cannibalism. Below is a left over cooking pot also on Mystery Island, haunting!!
We covered a lot of the Island on this tour. Spot #3 was a scenic overlook of the coastline looking out at some of their pristine beaches and #4 was further along the coastline, at a rock outcropping known for it's phallic formations.
Sherrie, Sarah, Bob and I took a 1/2 day tour of Island to take in the major cultural spots. They picked us up at the Hotel and we had 7 stops.
Thailand! For the longest time I have associated it with the land of yummy Pad Thai and Chicken Satay with peanut sauce ! Now, I can add a nation who embrace color - their Temples & Shrines that dot the landscape are stunning. They are influenced and have welcomed many traditions from China and India along with their own SE Asia native culture. Buddhism is practiced by over 90% of the country. Social Harmony around respect, self control and consideration of others feeling is their mantra. All we met were so pleasant and truly thankful for any kindness you extend to them.