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Solomon Islands Travel Blogs

Background: The UK established a protectorate over the Solomon Islands in the 1890s. Some of the bitterest fighting of World War II occurred on these islands. Self-government was achieved in 1976 and independence two years later. Ethnic violence, government malfeasance, and endemic crime have undermined stability and civil society. In June 2003, Prime Minister Sir Allen KEMAKEZA sought the assistance of Australia in reestablishing law and order; the following month, an Australian-led multinational force arrived to restore peace and disarm ethnic militias. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has been very effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions.

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By seasun
August 25th 2009

Strike - still in Honiara Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

Our room at the Manadana
Micheal, Carl and I sharing a room at the manadana before departing the Solomons

On Monday 24th August, Carl,Michael - the two men and I - left the Wyuna and decided to check into a hotel to get ourselves sorted out, cleaned and laundry cleaned etc. We all shared the one room. It is amazing how after spending 3 weeks together on a boat - how intimate one gets. You may be wondering who shared with who??? I will keep you guessing!! It was Sooooo…. Nice to get a bath and use as much water as we wanted with out hearing the captain say don’t waste water!!! I got my laundry cleaned so I had [View Full Entry]

By seasun
August 22nd 2009

Back in Honiara Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

Yesterday, we have arrived back in Honiara and the adventure here in the Solomon Islands is coming to a close. We had 10 glorious days diving and swimming in the Russell islands (group in the Solomon’s Islands), Salvo Island and in Mboli passage between big and small ngaela Island. Most days, there was an afternoon dive followed by a night dive. Some of the dives were spectacular and other were totally different to what I had ever experienced but all with the aim of finding shells. My most impressive dive was a small cave dive which was on a sea-wall. The [View Full Entry]

By Parvati
August 15th 2009

Back in Honiara! Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

The Crew
I don't want you guys to leave.

Again? Couldn't we have stayed in Malaita? No? Well, okay... as long as I get to learn some more tech stuff and have fun afterwards. Let's do it! In the military, days seem to begin earlier and earlier, and I find myself unable to sleep past 6:45 or 7:00 am. I think, again, back to my Papa and how he could never sleep past about 5:30 or 6:00. Am I doomed to repeat that? Is it from being in the Navy? My poor husband is in for some early mornings, though he can sleep anywhere, anytime. I definitely envy him that. [View Full Entry]

By Parvati
August 13th 2009

Vet Techin': To Faint or Not to Faint, That is the Question Oceania » Solomon Islands » Malaita

Leaving Guadalcanal
I was happy to do that... looking forward to going out in the country.

Vet Techin’: To Faint or Not to Faint, That is the Question Shifting from Guadalcanal to Malaita (those are two of the different islands included in the mission) was truly uneventful... unless you can appreciate beautiful clouds, a lazy but colorful sunset and rays of sunshine pouring like molasses through the clouds. Okay, yeah, I loved it. As soon as I heard Spike (the Chief Mate) say that “that would make a pretty picture”, I ran down to grab my camera (thanks for my bday present Jer!) and started snapping. I think I did rather well, considering one of the photos [View Full Entry]

By Parvati
August 10th 2009

Honiara, Guadalcanal: More Scenes Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

Our entry point
It's a shame you can't see all the stuff in the water. This photo doesn't do the pollution justice.

So what is Guadalcanal like? Well, it's a bit difficult to explain, but I began to have some appreciation for it. Anchoring out, I stayed on the ship for the first couple of days, but after meeting some people and getting out of the main area, it was actually pretty nice. There's loads of history and even if the locals don't give a super warm greeting at first, it got much nicer as the days passed and meeting the RAMSI folks certainly was worthwhile. I really enjoyed their company and their graciousness as they took us around to some interesting spots. [View Full Entry]

By seasun
August 9th 2009

STILL IN HONIARA Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

UN Navy Band

We have spent the past 5days in Honiara, not my favorite place in the world waiting for the rest of the guest to arrive - which they did today Sunday - we now have 6 onboard. The plan was to leave as soon as they arrived however, the dingy had a mishap yesterday and we have to get the outboard fixed before we head out. Fortunately, Brian’s father-in-law owns the Yamaha dealership and we will get preferential treatment tomorrow. So we are hoping to be off Monday afternoon. This weekend, Honiara was guest to the US navy and South Pacific Australia [View Full Entry]

By Parvati
August 7th 2009

I Want To Eat You!!!! Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

MUSTIN

The Solomon Islands have a very rich history that has intertwined with the United States and many other westernized countries. From its beginnings (again, from a Western viewpoint) as a land full of savages and cannibals, to headhunters, to holding the legend of King Solomon’s mines. Some people here still believe that the sharks are their ancestors! I read my Lonely Planet guide and was shocked at how many things could happen in these little islands. Thinking of Guadalcanal Day and actually being here for the day itself, it makes me think about my grandfather and his days in t [View Full Entry]

By seasun
August 6th 2009

Going to school The Solomon Island way Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

Madu in uniform
Ready for school - Madu is waiting for her friends on the beach. Notice how dark it is - It is just getting light the sun is not up

On Tuesday morning I walked with the children to school. What an adventure and again another insight to their culture. We started our walk to school about 6.20am as school at 7.30am. Madu called me at 6.15 to leave for school - we headed out over a well worn path. To set the scene - it is light but the sun is not up yet, three children 8, 9, 10, yrs head out on their own- no parental supervision. On our way there were a few streams which we crossed by walking on a 6” plank or a long log. To [View Full Entry]

By Mark and Vanessa
August 5th 2009

Solomon Islands - our holiday July 2009 Oceania » Solomon Islands » Malaita

Sunset from the Yacht Club - Honiara

The Solomon Islands is a developing country so don't expect everything to always work or go smoothly!! This is not a place to travel if you are the type of person that likes everything organised or scheduled. If you are a bit more adventurous....read on!! When you arrive in Honiara, you will find it busy, slightly derelict, and dirty in places. The people with red mouths from chewing beetlenut can be very offputing. Regardless, they are very friendly and helpful. Still be wary at night as in any other country. Accommodation ranges from basic to 4 star. Mostly ex-pats live in [View Full Entry]

By seasun
August 5th 2009

AVI-AVI MARINA Oceania » Solomon Islands » Guadalcanal

Pamler's house

Early Friday morning we left Honiara for Avi-Avi Marina about 24 mile away on Ngelic Island. We arrived at 11.00am picking a mooring outside the Pamler’s house (friends of Brian). The boat was situated so that the dinghy could be used to go backwards and forwards to the house by a pulley system. The Palmer family is affluent by the standards of outer islands Solomon people. They have electricity for about 14hrs a day. The Marian has a generator producing electricity which they are able to tap into. Brian hooked us up to shore power and he was able to do [View Full Entry]

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