The old markets are certainly worth a visit if you find yourself in Apia (but probably not a reason in itself to take a trip into town). They are in a large shed on Beach Road and are crammed in pretty tight . While there may not be a lot of variety, there’s a welcoming buzz and atmosphere.

You will be able to pick up inexpensive clothing, sarongs, art, craft and gifts. I bought an inexpensive decorative tapa cloth that really came to life once framed back home. You may see some art and craft works in progress.

There’s fruit and veg and it is best to visit with the attitude of helping the local economy rather than trying to find a bargain… The stall vendors are always happy to chat and it is a nice insight into how the place ticks…

Photo: Saletoga Sands Resort

The Mama’s Market in Port Vila is located on the harbour front across the car park from Downtown Bon Marche. It is a colourful, noisy and vibrant place where you buy local produce – fruit, vegies and flowers – or just have a wander and enjoy the ambience. The produce is fresh, organic, and cheap and it tastes just like fruit used to taste when you were a kid. It’s also the place to try lap-lap and other local delights.

Further along the waterfront, near the Nambawan Cafe, there are also stalls selling beaded necklaces, Vanuatu souvenirs, and woodcarvings .

A couple of favourite (inexpensive) souvenirs are ‘basket blong titi’ (coconut shells bras) and WW2 Coke bottles (they have the year of manufacture on them). You can also get your hair braided here.

The Mama’s Market is open from early Monday to midday on Saturday (24 hours) – the Mamas come in from their rostered village and sleep on mats, sometimes with their pikininis. It is very friendly and stress-free. Haggling isn’t part of the ni-Vanuatu culture and a market visit can make you feel part of the local fabric. Even just buy a little bag of peanuts – very cheap and very tasty!

Photos: Jenny Gray hamming it up for the camera (Michael Blamey photographer)

I’ve enjoyed watching Sunrise weatherman, Sam Mac, presenting from Aitutaki and Rarotonga i  the Cook Islands this week but he missed the markets because they happen on Saturdays.

Markets can be colourful, fun and give a real ‘feel’ for how a place ticks because you will be moving among locals going about their usual lives as well as other tourists. The markets happen in Rarotonga’s main town of Avarua and, as well as fresh fruit and vegies, you can find sundresses, pareus (sarongs), art, craft, ukuleles and jewellery (including black pearls).

The local wonder tonic, Noni juice, can also be bought. Depending on who is telling the story, Noni juice does wonders for the liver, heart, skin, digestion, memory, gout, muscle spasms, diabetes and cancer. I bought a couple of bottles and, well, I’m still here, it didn’t taste at all bad but I didn’t do handstands. Then again, I never could!

The outdoor food court serves up satays, curries, fresh coconuts, paw-paw smoothies and waffles. Keep in mind that bargaining is not part of the culture.

Photo: Trip Advisor