Penama Province: The Heartbeat of Vanuatu's Natural Beauty

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeBubye
  [bu-bye]
• YesIa
  [ya]
• NoTale
  [ta-le]
• Please/You're welcomePlis
  [plees]
• Thank youTankiu
  [tan-kyoo]
• Excuse me/SorrySori
  [so-ree]
• How are you?Yu stap gut?
  [yoo stap goot]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Mo yu?
  [goot. moh yoo]
• Do you speak English?Yu save toktok long Inglish?
  [yoo sa-veh tok-tok long in-glish]
• I don't understandMi no save save
  [mee no sa-veh sa-veh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wantem lukluk long menu, plis
  [mee wan-tem look-look long men-oo, plees]
• I don't eat meatMi no kaikai mit
  [mee no kai-kai meet]
• Cheers!Manari!
  [mah-nah-ree]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wantem bayem, plis
  [mee wan-tem bah-yem, plees]

• Help!Helpem!
  [help-em]
• Go away!Go lusan!
  [go loo-sahn]
• Call the Police!Kolem Polis!
  [kol-em po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Kolem dokta!
  [kol-em dok-tah]
• I'm lostMi lusan
  [mee loo-sahn]
• I'm illMi sik
  [mee seek]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wantem baem...
  [mee wan-tem bah-em...]
• I'm just lookingMi jas lukluk nomo
  [mee jas look-look no-moh]
• How much is it?Hao moa hemi costem?
  [hao moh-ah hem-ee cost-em]
• That's too expensiveHem i moa bigfala
  [hem ee moh-ah big-fah-lah]
• Can you lower the price?Yu save fo lukaotem praes?
  [yoo sa-veh fo loo-kah-oh-tem price]

• What time is it?I hao taim hemi nao?
  [ee hao time hem-ee now]
• It's one o'clockHemi wan taim
  [hem-ee wahn time]
• Half past (10)Hemi hapfala (10)
  [hem-ee hahp-fah-lah (10)]
• MorningMonin
  [moh-neen]
• AfternoonAftanun
  [aftah-noon]
• EveningIvinin
  [ee-vee-neen]
• YesterdayDei wea
  [day way-ah]
• TodayDei
  [day]
• TomorrowTamoro
  [tah-moh-roh]
• 1Wan
  [wahn]
• 2Tu
  [too]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Fo
  [foh]
• 5Faiv
  [fah-eev]
• 6Siks
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [seh-ven]
• 8Eit
  [ate]
• 9Nain
  [nayn]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Wea hemi...?
  [way-ah hem-ee]
• What's the address?Adres hemi wea?
  [ad-dress hem-ee way-ah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu save fo soem mi (long map)?
  [yoo sa-veh fo so-em mee (long map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wea taim hemi nex (bas)?
  [way-ah time hem-ee neks (bahs)]
• A ticket (to ....)Wan tiket (long ....)
  [wahn tee-ket (long)]

Penama Province, located in the northeastern part of Vanuatu, is rich in indigenous heritage. The province is primarily inhabited by the Melanesian people, who have settled in the area for thousands of years. The early settlers were skilled navigators and fishermen, and their traditional customs, languages, and practices are still evident today. The oral histories and legends passed down through generations provide a deep insight into the ancestral roots and cultural richness of the region.

The first known European to set foot on the islands of Penama Province was the Spanish explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós in the early 17th century. He named the archipelago 'Austrialia del Espiritu Santo'. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the islands saw sporadic contact with European explorers and traders, which significantly impacted local societies. The introduction of new goods and the influence of European culture brought profound changes, but also led to conflicts and resistance from the indigenous communities.

In the mid-19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Penama Province, determined to convert the local population. The introduction of Christianity was met with mixed reactions; while some communities embraced the new religion, others resisted, leading to periods of tension and conflict. Over time, however, the missionaries managed to establish schools, churches, and health services, which contributed to significant social changes in the province. Today, Christianity is a major religion in the region, coexisting with traditional beliefs and practices.

The late 19th century was marked by the dark period of 'blackbirding', where many inhabitants of Penama Province were forcibly taken to work on plantations in Australia, Fiji, and other parts of the Pacific. This practice led to a significant loss of population and disruption of local societies. The traumatic memories of blackbirding are still remembered in the oral histories of the region, serving as a somber reminder of the exploitation faced by the islanders.

During World War II, Penama Province, like much of Vanuatu, was strategically significant due to its location in the Pacific. The islands were used as a base by Allied forces, particularly the United States, which established military installations and airstrips. The presence of foreign troops brought new technologies, infrastructure, and cultural influences to the region. After the war, many of these installations were abandoned, but the wartime legacy remains visible in the form of relics and monuments scattered across the islands.

Penama Province played a role in Vanuatu's struggle for independence from colonial rule. Before independence, the region was part of the Anglo-French Condominium, a unique colonial arrangement where both Britain and France jointly administered the islands. The push for self-governance gained momentum in the 1970s, leading to the establishment of the New Hebrides National Party, later known as the Vanua'aku Party. Vanuatu ultimately achieved independence on July 30, 1980, with Penama Province becoming an integral part of the new nation.

In recent decades, there has been a significant emphasis on the revival and preservation of traditional culture in Penama Province. Efforts have been made to document and celebrate local customs, languages, and practices. Festivals such as the Back to My Roots Festival in Pentecost Island highlight traditional dances, music, and rituals. These cultural initiatives not only foster a sense of identity and pride among the local population but also attract visitors eager to experience the rich heritage of the province.

Penama Province is located in the northern part of Vanuatu. The nearest airport is Sara Airport on Pentecost Island, and Lonorore Airport on Ambrym Island. To reach Penama, you can take a domestic flight from Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. Flights are operated by local airlines such as Air Vanuatu. From the airports, you can use boat transfers or small planes to travel between the islands in the province.

The primary mode of transportation within Penama Province is by small boats, local ferries, and small planes. On land, local transportation includes trucks, minibuses, and taxis. Roads are often unpaved and can be challenging to navigate, so hiring a local guide is advisable. Renting a car is not common due to the terrain and road conditions.

The official currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger businesses, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to smaller villages and remote areas. ATMs are available in larger towns, but it is prudent to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to more isolated locations.

Penama Province is generally safe for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While crime rates targeting tourists are low, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas in Penama Province.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Local police stations are available in larger towns. For medical emergencies, there are health clinics in major villages, but for serious health issues, it is advisable to seek medical attention in Port Vila. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas, to show respect for local customs. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a slight nod. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Penama Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. Engage with local villagers who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don't miss the land diving ceremony on Pentecost Island, a unique cultural event. Participate in local festivals and try traditional kava, a ceremonial drink made from the root of the kava plant.