11) Matu Utu, Uvea, Wallis Islands

August 2008: South Pacific
Matu Utu, Uvea, Wallis Islands (S 13.17.264 W 176.09.924) 

               

                These motu’s sit off the shoreline of the main town called Mata Utu.  We had to anchor out here as the water is way too shallow further in.  What you can’t see is that we are swinging on the hook just outside the shipping channel to the commercial dock.  We knew we were only going to be here a short time as the town was pretty much closed and we were not going to do an island tour.

                 

 

                This was really a quick walk thru the closest streets as it was very hot and there was not much to see or going on.  The fabric tree was probably part of the ceremony decorations and most likely the center of the action.  I talked with a guy that approached me outside a grocery store and in his laid back way he told me there was not much for tourism on the island and not much to do.  We drank our sugar bombs (bubble gum flavored soda) and moved on.

                I think what most shocked me about this place is that Bob spoke French when talking to the clerks in the store!  And, the other Dave can speak it, too!  I have yet to hear Bob speak Chinese but I hear he can stumble through it.