Monday – December 3, 2018
Quote of the Day: “Traveling’s not something you’re good at. It’s something you do. Like breathing.”
Mystery Island is a tiny uninhabited “islet” of the Republic of Vanuatu – previously known as the New Hebrides. Vanuatu (the name means “Land Eternal”) is a Y-shaped chain of islands that consists of about 83 islands. Granted independence by Britain and France in 1980 as the Ripablik Blong Vanuatu.
Mystery Island only has a few huts for overnight tourists, primitive amenities for cruise ship passengers, a few trails that bisect the island, and a grassy airstrip built by the U.S. Military. It’s really a sandbar with the indigenous name of Inyeung, which means “small island” in the local language. No one lives on the island because it’s considered taboo.
There was a coral reef on the windward side of Inyeung protecting it from the Pacific Ocean. The Amsterdam anchored between Mystery Island and the main island, Aneityum, and ran tenders to the smaller island/sandbar.
Vendors from the village of Anelghowhat arrived by small boats in the morning to set up their goods in thatch-roof stalls at the market. Goods for sale included batik fabrics and clothing, flower leis, shell jewelry, t-shirts and sarongs.
Mystery Island is a true South Pacific paradise: no people, no electricity, no running water, no internet or phone service. Local women sell goods, offer massages and hair braiding; men play music and dance and grill lobsters for tourists.
Vanuatu has a history of cannibalism, like most of the South Pacific islands, so several young men offer photo opportunities for tourists.
Mystery Island can be described as a jewel of the South Pacific Islands. We had a wonderful time swimming in the crystal clear water and relaxing on the pristine beach.
