Monday 12 September Personal admin

Monday morning and the shops are open, market buzzing and we have things to do. A visit to the Customs office to obtain our cruising permit which wasn't available in Anatom and to pay our Custom fee for entering the country. A trip to the market to spurge on fresh produce. We discovered raspberries for sale. Not quite as sweet or tasty as an English raspberry but a nice treat. There is a strong French influence which extends to a well stocked Au Bon Marche supermarket. For the first time since we left NZ we were able to buy couscous, cappuccino mix and tinned rice pudding (a David favourite).
Port Vila is described as the prettiest capital in the South Pacific. In my very humble opinion whoever wrote that was wearing rose tinted spectacles. Capitals are functional, administration and commerce. Port Vila was all these and hosts to the guests of the many cruise ships that visit. I believe it's also a tax haven so there are plenty of banks. This time we are only staying a few days when we come back to clear out to New Caledonia or NZ we'll take more time to explore and perhaps we'll find those hidden architectural delights and have time to visit the museum.

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