Blogs from Solomon Islands, Oceania - page 2

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 wall was breathtaking with loads of fish, saw a turtle and a few sharks. There were loads of different types and colors of coral, sea anemones, fans etc. I wish I could capture it on ... read more

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 is now my desktop photo. :) After only seeing a limited view of Honiara in Guadalcanal, I hoped that Malaita would prove a more rural gem and I was very happy with the outcome. Maybe ... read more

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 and New Zealand navy. They have been remembering the victory of Guadalcanal by the US in 1942 - during the Second World War. They had a reception at the Point Cruz yacht Club where the ... read more

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 the kids it was hop skip and a jump but when I was confronted with it I hesitated and very gingerly crossed the stream - once I actually walked in the stream rather than on ... read more

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 the expensive rooms in the 4 star accommodation. However, there will still be cheaper rooms available. Every place we stayed was always clean. The hotel accommodation is probably overpriced,though,compared to some countries. This will be ... read more