Media Centre for Volunteer with Turtles and Community Development in Vanuatu

Marie Tearle

I'm back home, its freezing cold and I'm missing the warmth of Vanuatu and the people of Tasiriki village in particular.

The entire village mothered us to bits and we were spoilt rotten! I found the trek to turtle beach and working the shore line for nesting turtles rather arduous to begin with but got remarkably easier after the first week. I was lucky enough to see 12 Hawksbill turtles and 2 Green turtles.

The food was delicious and I just had the most amazing time imaginable. I would love to go back in a couple of months time and see the eggs I've seen being laid, hatch out.

My goodbyes at the end of the trip were rather emotional, I cried buckets!! I came away with 4 Island dresses, a coloured grass skirt, a large mat, 2 fans, some enormous shells, a head band and 2 leis amongst other things. The generosity of the people their ever smiling faces and enduring friendship will stay with me for ever. May the project go from strength to strength; it was a truly amazing experience!!