The Melanesian people of Tanna have lived
in the same villages since their ancestors first came to Vanuatu
about 400 BC. Many of the villagers spend their entire life
within 20 km of where they were born and very few leave
Tanna or Vanuatu to live overseas. Those that do soon
come home.
The delicate interweaving of their communal lives is
beyond understanding - even by the Tanna people themselves.
And yet it is beautiful in its simplicity - like a basket
woven by simple under-over strands, tied here and there
with small knots, that, seen from a distance, is a work
of art embracing the spirt of the people.
No matter who you are, where you are from, or what kind
of a person you may be, in the eyes of a native of Tanna
you are either inside the basket or outside of it - but
never part of the woven strands. You are, therefore,
easily excused for bad manners and violations of their
ways.
To save embarassment, you should always have a guide
with you when walking anywhere in Tanna except in Lenakel
or in the vicinity of your accommodation in Tanna.
The guide can be a helpful child or a friendly adult
met on the outskirts of a village. Almost anyone can
give you permission to go to a beach, go swimming or
simply walk through the village. The more "custom"
the village, the more essential it is to have a guide.
Wherever you go, no matter how wild and remote, you will
be on someone's land.
For longer treks, a guide can be hired for between 500
and 2500 vatu per day. Payment must be agreed on first
and always paid after the trek is over. At Friendly Bungalows
you just have to ask and we will help arrange a guide
for your excursions. You will not need one if you are
on one of our tours.
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