The young nation of the Solomon Islands consists of 992 islands east of New Guinea. It is a nation of extraordinary beauty, fascinating contrasts and friendly people.
There are 87 different languages and a wide variety of different traditions. The Solomons have over 350,000 people most of whom live in small villages. The climate is hot and humid and malaria is endemic.
These beautiful islands were the scene of ferocious fighting during World War 2 and relics of that horrible event litter the sites of conflict. We briefly visited the island of Guadalcanal where some of the most vicious fighting took place.
Today Guadalcanal is peaceful and beautiful. This photo shows a black sand beach on the north coast west of Honiara the capital.
Honiara, the capital, has about 35,000 people. It was built after the war near the American base whose quonset huts still occupy the peninsula in the foreground.
About 12 miles west of Honiara is Vilu village where Mr. Fred Kona has built an outdoor World War 2 museum. Mr.Kona and other villagers spent weeks dragging ruined war equipment out of the jungle. I am looking at a Japanese "Zero." It is in a good state of preservation because aluminum is not affected by the hot, humid, tropical weather of the Solomons.
From Henderson Field near Honiara, we flew in a small plane 200 miles west to the island of New Georgia to meet our good friend William. Sure enough he was waiting with his dugout canoe to take us to his home in Mandou village on the south tip of tiny Vonavona island.
From Munda on New Georgia we went 10 miles on Vonavona lagoon skimming over spectacular coral reefs visible only a few feet down in crystal clear water.
William, his wife Bessie and 4 of his 5 children were warm, welcoming hosts. We instantly felt like part of the family.
The photos below will give you some idea of the lovely village of Mandou. Isn't it a pity that there are no "condos," casinos, multiplex theaters and malls? There is NOTHING to do in Mandou...unless you like being surrounded with warm, friendly people.
All the kids come to school every day with fresh hibiscus flowers in their hair. Kids of all ages quietly do their daily school work. "American-style" discipline problems do not seem to be part of their tribal culture.
Skull Island contains shrines housing the skulls of respected chiefs dating from the 1920's back 300 years. Clam shell "ring money" is visible in this grave.
Links:
http://www.visitsolomons.com.sb /