The People of Solomon Islands

As our time in Guadalcanal comes to an end we would like to share some of our experiences and thoughts about the people of the Island.

What Guadalcanal lacks in economy and industry it makes up for by the people who call it home. The moment we stepped off the plane and were greeted by smiling ladies delivering handmade leis and offering warm greetings of welcome.

Our hotel and its employees were just as welcoming and helpful. There were beautiful flowers in all over as well as flowers to in our room.

The next day we met our local tour guides Eddy and Mike. We chose Eddy’s bus and were amazed at his knowledge of the battle fields and events during the war. He always helped us off the bus and made sure we had water and all that we needed. Every morning he greeted us with a smile. When we were climbing up at Mount Austen Eddy won Cory’s heart when we gave her water and took her hand to assure she didn’t slide her way down the slippery hill – while carrying her water as well.

The women of the island provide lunch for us every day. One day was a trip to “Amazing Grace Farm” where they grow and process cocoa beans. Grace was a gracious hostess and the ladies assisting her were friendly too. Grace showed us how they process the cocoa beans from drying, roasting and pounding to create pure cocoa.

At Tulagi the women brought our lunch and all the necessary supplies over on the ferry with us and prepared a scrumptious feast for us.

The next day we went to Ginger Beach Resort where we were greeted by young warriors and women with handmade necklaces for us made out of ginger and other plant leaves. It was then that we recognized the same women and came to realize that the women are a close group that work together to help promote tourism as well as help and support each other.

The children – As we have come to realize through all our travels children are the same all over world. They may look different, live under different circumstances, and speak a different language but underneath it all they are the same. We hear them laugh and see them play. They are curious about their visitors and anxious to make friends. Our hearts were warmed by their smiles and laughter.

The people of the Solomon Islands are wonderful people who unfortunately live in a very poor country. What they lack in money and resources they certainly make up for by their appreciation for each other and the things that they do have.