Memories of Vanuatu, and a very dangerous post office

If you didn't get to see part one of "Kate Humble: Into the Volcano" on Sunday night (available on BBC iPlayer until 3 February), you missed a treat, especially if you like volcanology.

Deliberately not getting too close
to the edge of the crater...

Admittedly, I don't really understand it, but I have been to Vanuatu, where the programme was filmed and, in particular, to Mount Yasur, the volcano featured. I went there to climb the volcano in 2007, as part of my 'see all the places I ever wanted to go' phase.

What interested me about the programme, apart from being reminded just what friendly people the ni-Vanuatu are, was the complete absence of any reference to Volcano Post, one of Vanuatu Post's two unusual post offices. At Volcano Post - which is really a post box near the lip of the crater - you can have your postcard singed for that genuine 'posted from a live and active volcano' effect.

I only spent the day in Tanna - the trip was all a bit unplanned - but it was every bit as amazing as Kate Humble describes it, and whilst it is one of the most faraway places you can go from London - you have to get to Australia or New Zealand first before you can get a flight to Port Vila, the capital - if you were to get the chance, I would strongly recommend going.

And prepare to have a good time - Vanuatu was declared the happiest country in the world by the New Economics Foundation in 2006, and the locals seemed to be resolutely cheerful. The beer is alright, the sea is warm and blue, and life is blissfully unhurried.

But if you did miss part one, part two is to be broadcast on BBC2 on Sunday...