A Tropical Marketplace - Port Vila Vanuatu

One of the highlights of our time cruising with Royal Caribbean was our stop in Port Vila Vanuatu. When we arrived in Port Vila, we didn't waste any time and made our way to our first booked shore excursion: a morning dedicated to horse riding through tropical rain forests and lagoons. Just in case this experience wasn't incredible enough, we decided that we would make our way to the Mele Cascades for the afternoon. We had heard so much about this stunning waterfall from enthusiastic cruisers who had visited before, so we agreed that we couldn't miss out.

So between horse riding and trekking our way to the top of the famous waterfall, I naturally dragged Kevin (and our cruise buddies) through the vibrant Port Vila Marketplace. Bustling with local grocers and cooks, the market was brimming with fresh tropical fruits, flowers that I had never seen before, and baskets of vegetables that immediately made me wish I had somewhere to cook. For those who like a little island street food, this spot is not to be missed. Inside the marketplace, local cooks serve up island favourites on banana leaf, and offer fresh coconut to those looking a little parched. I was once told, if you want to experience the true culture of a town, visit a growers market and support the locals at the grass roots. No doubt, this is definitely one of my favourite ways to experience a new place.