Vanuatu - The Melanesian Port Vila
Pronounced as van-wah-too, Vanuatu means 'Our Land' - the word for land (vanua, fanua or fenua) is one of the most common Pacific words. The country's people are called Ni-Vanuatu, meaning 'Of Vanuatu' - warm and friendly.
Prior to independence from the UK and France in 1980, this archipelago of about 83 islands was known as the New Hebrides. James Cook gave it this name during his expedition in 1774 because of dark, rugged islands reminded him of the Hebrides group, off Scotland's west coast.
Port Vila is said to be the most beautiful capital in the Pacific. It lies on a horseshoe-shape bay on the south-west coast of the island Efate. Port Vila is charming mixed cultures, blending elements of Melanesian, English, French and Chinese tastes.
Small note on cache maintenance: Aussiefalke and kingsingh7 have offered to assist., as they will be here at last four times a year. Thanks!