Having had such a good time in the Solomon Islands last year I've returned, this time for a three month contract. The biggest difference from last year is that Rachael (my wife) has come with me and will be staying for the duration. That, along with the fact that we have a flat with a kitchen means it will be a lot more like living here rather than a prolonged holiday.
The weather seems to be a little more tolerable than last time. Interestingly its no cooler (32-33 degrees c. every day and 27-29 at night) but there are trade winds at this time of year in the afternoon and the humidity sometimes drops a bit below 80%! This is great for acclimatisation because its only going to get steamier towards December as the wetter season starts. As I may have mentioned the Solomons doesn't really have a wet and dry season, just wet and wetter. Rachael arrived yesterday and wondered if this was really true. The streets were a bit dusty and everywhere, though lush, was certainly dry. Well this afternoon it started raining and as I write this (mid evening) its still pouring down with no sign of stopping.
The political climate seems much calmer now than when I was last here and the government was being voted out. This means we are allowed a little more freedom to go for walks to nearby villages. Last December a lot of people had gone home for christmas to their home islands so many shops and eateries were closed. All of this means that Honiara is a livelier place.
Nothing much has changed at work. One difference is the really big helicopter, the SuperPuma has gone. This means a few of the islands such as Ontong Java Atol are now out of range. As a result if someone needs medical evacuation from there, as they did the other week, its not a three hour round trip in the chopper but a thirty hour trip in a patrol boat. I wouldn't mind cruising over the sea trenches seeing manta rays, dolphins and giant jellyfish. Work still trickles in. An AFP member got machetted (sic) in the leg the other week and obstetric emergencies still crop up fairly regularly.
Well thats about it for now. We're here we're safe and we're looking forward to the upcoming 12 weeks. I'll charge the camera battery and show you where we are staying in the next exciting episode.
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3 comments:
I am trying very hard to set this going - Mum gave up!
Hi,
Glad you both got there OK.
Sounds like taking the flippers was a good idea, with all the rain you'll need them.
How is the camera? Make sure you get some of the manta rays, I envy you.
Take care and enjoy yourselves and remember to keep the toes dry.
Love Mum.
Hello my gorgeous friends! So good to hear all going well - and wet. Thinking out you both lots and hope your having a wonderful time. Looking forward to next entry - PS Tilly is now officially walking more than crawling! XX Jess
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