Part 1 - The Arrival

25.09.2012

Hello from Honiara!

Hope all is well.

I can't believe that it was less than a week ago that I was at the theatre seeing Wicked, going to a Beirut gig at the Hammersmith Apollo, and saying goodbye to friends and family at my leaving party. I've now arrived at Honiara after a quick stop in Seoul and Nadi. Seoul was awesome. Nadi not so.

Solomon Islands is everything you imagine it to be. The weather is extremely hot and the beaches are white and sandy (although beaches in the capital are more pebbly but hey), surrounded by deep blue seas filled with many fish species. The food is fresh, colourful and very varied. Also, very little processing (yay!) The people seem very friendly and there are so many great activities to do.

I was met at the airport with a very warm welcome. Patty (the ODI fellow that I am replacing), my new manager and several work colleagues came to meet me. We went straight to a beach party and BBQ to celebrate Patty’s departure and my arrival – great way to start my adventures! Cake was very yummy! Weekend fun also consisted of finding best value for money vegetables at the Sunday SDA food market and tasting the national treasures of bushlime and SolBrew. I've never seen cucumbers so big!

The accommodation is fine and with a little TLC, I think it could be great. Although I live in a compound, it doesn't feel like it at all. All Central Bank staff live in the compound and it's only 20 mins walk. I have two rooms so there's plenty of space for visitors :)

My first day at work went really well yesterday. A laptop, a pass, introductions to the whole organisation and a handover manual - efficient indeed. Work seems very busy with a Monetary Policy Statement due in two weeks and an IMF mission to prepare for soon after. Lots to learn but all exciting stuff. Also, experienced my first power cut...a rite of passage!

One of the very surprising things I've noticed is that the cost of living is significantly high across the board. A mars bar is nearly £2 and a can of coke is 90p, which you would expect given they are imported products. However, wifi is extremely expensive, a filter coffee is about £3 a cup and traditional dishes can start from £10. Diving prices are crazy but I'm told that it's worth it! I'm trying to find all the hidden gems so that when you come to stay, we can beat the system :)

Well, I think that's it for now. It goes without saying that I'm missing London and everyone a lot but trying my best to focus on all the great things that have already happened and are yet to come. Plus, I'm only a skype call away. 

Much love,

Kennton x