Vanuatu cargo cult marks 50 years

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Title – Vanuatu cargo cult marks 50 years
Source – www.bbc.co.uk
Date – 15th February 2007

The world is a fascinating place full of fascinating people; there are still places where time seems to have stood still and nowhere more so then Tanna on Vanuatu in the South Pacific. As these remote locations become ever more accessible travellers need to understand the places they are visiting before they get there.

This approach reduces the considerable culture shock you can encounter and prevents your visit distressing local residents and ruining what is often a very fine balance between accommodating and benefiting from tourism and maintaining their traditional and preferred lifestyle.

The Cargo Cult in Vanuatu is certainly no exception they have a unique and strange existence that is almost the same as it was 60 years ago when John 'Frum' America first landed on their shores and they started this strange phenomenon of worshipping cargo. But the village remains secretive and tries to protect itself from outside influence and the ridicule that often comes with it. But if you try and understand and befriend the villagers you might just be lucky enough to be invited to a village sing-sing (festival) and experience what lies past the hype, a very traditional and respectful South Pacific Community.

Understanding and respecting local cultures is a core aspect of our workshop, by examining the cultural traditions of your destination country, you can minimise your impact on the local community and maximise your experiences.
Our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety and Awareness workshop addresses all your travel needs and sets you on the way to planning a carrying out a successful and unforgettable experience.

Please visit our website at http://www.safegapyear.com/