Yesterday we had to pay the bill for importing new items to Vanuatu, it takes some time but eventually the amount is known and I write a check. Now all items are released from the depot and I want them in my container. There is a pallet full of stuff and a whole pile of matrasses and beds. When I ask the custom officer if a forklift can bring the pallet to the container it is arranged in a few minutes. The officer helps me to lift e few big boxes on my car; where have I ever met an officer that helps lifting and carrying? In the mean time he apologises that all takes long in Vanuatu, I love these people!

At the container it becomes clear that the pallet can’t go all the way to the back. I am just about to unwrap it or here is the forklift driver back with a ramp so he can enter the container. He pushes he pallet where I want it and goes. In the mean time there are a few workers from the port discussing that not all will fit in if we don’t reorganize. This means that the sailing dingy has to go on its side. I have my doubts but see that it is the only way we can do it. Three men help us; lifting and pushing, stuff in and out and an hour later everything is in. Complaining that the Netherlands lost against Spain and assuring me that they supported the Dutch and they could have won as well. When the job is done they say goodbye and want to leave. I am stunned; this is no theatre, they really don’t expect anything from us. I call them back and give them some money for a beer, the way they look I can see that this is not a common thing to give and that means that they really did it to help us. I love this country; how kind can you be?