Part 13 - A little bit of gratitude

09.06.2013

Hello, hello!

I hope this finds you well.

Solomons – A reminder of what’s important?

Today I write with a different focus. Since I last wrote, I have been feeling slightly guilty that I have given you a warped view of this country. Please permit to apologise…perhaps we can just put it down to a mixture of island fever, being overworked, and being apart from loved ones. 

I say this because Solomons has given much more than I give it credit for. For instance, what I love about the Solomons is that I am always reminded of the things in life that really truly important to me – family and values. The funny thing is that the humbling reminders usually happen just at the height of a complaint or protest. For instance, I was moaning to myself the other day about the fact that the buses weren’t turning up and I was going to be late for work. Then, I look round to see a woman balancing a huge box of agricultural goods on her head with a baby tied to the front of her, walking down the road that the bus route usually takes – my protest was soon muted.

Then, there was a time when after a few days of bad signal, my internet connection went down and I remember being frustrated because I wasn’t able to have my morning call with mama E-T or Lukasz on Skype. I went to work grumbling to myself about how unfair it was. That same morning, I attended a very early meeting, which started with a prayer reminding us to be thankful for our good health and the good health of our families and loved ones. Although praying happens at the majority of meetings, the prayer resonated with me more that day, as if someone was keeping me in check by sending me a reminder to be grateful.

Another recent example was when I was angry about a power cut that happened last week (seems to be a least twice a week at the moment), which meant that I couldn’t charge and hence, use my laptop that evening; therefore, unable to do any work or more importantly, watch movies. It was at this point that in the surrounding silence and darkness, I could hear lots of laughter outside of my house. I looked out of my window and saw my neighbour and his 5 children sitting in a circle on the floor of their house with three candles lit, playing memory games. I smiled to myself – Solomons did it again.

Necessity and luxury

In all of these instances, I find it quite apt to coin a phrase that I heard from my friend, Brooke – “first world problems in third world countries”. However, since hearing this phrase, I have pondered over its meaning a great deal and it has prompted me to think about necessities and luxury  – Are my requests really so first world? When is right to accept the status quo and when is it OK to expect more or want to improve things? Should I just accept the fact that I should be grateful to have running water (well, for majority of the time anyway) or is it OK to expect running hot water too? Is it wrong for me to get angry about the constant power outages when my housemaid who lives 5 minutes from my place lives by candlelight every night. When does the ownership of a fan in a tropical country stop being seen as a luxury and start becoming a necessity? Silly questions I suppose but it definitely got me thinking. 

Obviously, much of this depends on relative levels of income but there is also an absolute level that we can always refer to, references that are visible to me on a daily basis; basic levels of health, education, shelter, food and water, and clothing.

In the meantime, while I spend my time trying to work this all out, I always remember what my wonderful papa said to us all the time; always be grateful for what you have because there are others less fortunate than yourself. Solomon Islands, I thank you for reminding me of this.

Wishing you all a great day and looking forward to hearing from you.

Much love.

Kennton x

Part 12 - Fun in the Sun

24.05.2013

Hello hello,

I hope this finds you all well.

So many birthdays that have passed – belated happy birthdays to both Hatties, Leisha, Ben, Luise, Paul, Vix, and Elena. Also, thanks to all for your emails and messages.

I hear you say “what adventures do you have for us this week, Kenn?” Well, follow me…

Paradise with a bite…is back!

Part 12 comes a little delayed as I was wiped out with a viral infection for 5 days. Initially, the doctor believed the symptoms mirrored what seemed to be dengue fever but I’m just thankful it was just normal fever mixed with a little island fever I think – that was bad enough! 12 coconuts, several lunch visits from work colleagues, and numerous calls from my wonderful Solly friends and neighbours definitely helped to keep the virus at bay.

Towards the end of the week when I was feeling better but not yet back to work, it was actually enjoyable to have some time at home doing very little. Nora, my housemaid, shared her secret bush lime juice recipe – easily the best in Honiara. In return, I taught Nora, how to make banana bread. I’ll let you assess whether it was a success or not via the photos. I thought it was delicious albeit not as good as the batches made by Mel and Jen for the Mbike Minibreak.

A walk in the countryside

However much you think you know a place, it’s always a nice surprise to be reminded that there’s always more to see, to do, and make your own. A friend, Theo, once said “during your time in Honiara, don’t wait for the fun to happen - you have to make your own fun.” Ever since then, I have been hatching plans (not of the evil variety) to explore what this beautiful country has tucked away.

For example, Theo, a veteran of the Solomon Islands, and I decided to go for a walk in the countryside around West Cola Ridge a couple of Sundays ago. Although the location of the walk was relatively close to Honiara, you wouldn’t think you were in the capital city at all. The hustle and bustle of Honiara follows a long stretch of road, which is parallel to the shoreline. As you move inland, the land becomes more mountainous and less populous. It doesn’t take long before you are surrounded by hills, vegetation, the pleasant absence of traffic and urban spread.

The start of the bush walk was very scenic with stunning landscape views of much of Guadacanal Island (the island the capital is located – for more info, see SIFF from part 6). The undulating hills were nice from afar but having to cut through them was another matter entirely. Fortunately for my sanity, the light at the end of the tunnel took us to a stream with an abundance of cooling water pools. It was at this point that hike-loving Theo decided that we should go off piste and head off the usual track. We started to climb a muddy precipice with Theo climbing leading the way. It was only near the top of the wall of earth that the mud became so soft that anything we grabbed was easily uprooted from the ground. Then, as I attempted to slide to the side, I lost my footing and slipped. With nothing to grip onto, I managed with some success to turn around and use my bottom as a resistance device. It was like sliding down a water slide but without the water and substituted with lots of mud and bumps and stones…you get it. Fortunately, my rather large bottom saved the day by getting jammed between two rocks – thank goodness. Then, on our way back, Theo accidently kicked a massive rock that tumbled down the hill, narrowly missing my head but just clipping my ankle and taking some skin with it before it proceeded to roll downwards. Thankfully, we made it back in one piece – something to occupy the time :)

Mbike Minibreak

Woohoo! It’s magnificent, it’s marvellous, it’s Mbike. Guys – I cannot describe to you how beautiful this place is so I’ll let the photos do that.

After a rotten few months at work with May being the most un-fun month ever (too many deadlines, papers, and reports due for Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee and then managing the Department for a few days…it was absolutely nuts), I was in need of a marvellous minibreak.

Mbike saved the day…well at the last first part did anyway. Mike and Ez Nunan had organised this wonderful event, which brought together a varied group of 35 interesting individuals for the weekend. The day was beautiful and the waters were calm. On the way, we sailed passed what was possibly the plushest super yacht I have ever seen, even more than those in Cannes. The super yacht had a swimming pool (standard), a helipad with a helicopter on it, a speed boat, and wait for it…a accompanying submarine. Yes, a submarine. Apparently, the vessel belongs to Bill Gates’ Microsoft partner, Paul Allen, who spends some time in the Sols from time to time. Launched in 2003, it is the 8^th largest yacht in the world and reaches 414 foot long.  I’m still in awe of the submarine…a submarine!  Take a look…http://most-expensive.com/yacht

Anyway, I digress.

When we arrived, it was paradise, nothing like anything I had seen in Solomons before. This place was idyllic, the accommodation was actually pretty good, and the facilities were impressive…they even had canoes to use – yay! Together with nature’s beauty and an enormous bbq, what more could one ask for? We spent the day eating lots, playing volleyball, canoeing, eating more, swimming, snorkelling, and eating more. I think the highlight for me was definitely the canoe races around the island. I put losing the race down to the fact that Mel had a broken shoulder and couldn’t paddle. Now ,I don’t blame you, Mel. Just that you were responsible for us losing ;)

As we said goodbye the stunning skyscapes of the day that accompanied the gorgeous sunset, everyone welcomed the bright moon and night sky to the party. The evening brought birthday celebrations for Ez, Jen, and Suz together with copious amounts of alcohol and limbo dancing, and midnight swims. It was near perfect; swimming underneath the stars.

Alas, the near perfect Saturday only lasted one day as I was taken down by this viral infection. As a result, Sunday was spent wrapped in my makeshift cocoon in Caroline’s hammock, hiding from everything and anything, too weak to walk. Well guys, you didn’t think Solomons would give me a free ticket, did you? Paradise with a bite, kids. Paradise with a bite – just saying! Thankfully, Mel and Jen’s banana cake helped to bring me back to health :)

The Filipino Embassy has arrived…

And that’s not the end of my fun for this fortnight. Oh no…something spectacular happened earlier this week…

Ever wondered what a Filipino version of a Cowboy bar and grill would be like? I, too, have often pondered this this from time to time (not). Well, good news, kids. Would you believe it that a Filipino-owned Cowboy bar and grill has now opened in Honiara (take that Fiji and Vanuatu) and boy is it something! The place definitely has a unique persona what with a bucking bronco and yes you guessed it, an 8-piece Filipino band that sing, dance, and even speak to every single person in the audience during their set breaks. The food is a little on the expensive side (yes – your default assumption was correct) and there is a cover charge later in the evening. Despite this, the place is freakin’ awesome – come on, they play tonnes of Rhi Rhi. That’s a winner in my books :)

After taking my posse down last Friday for a test run and having heaps of fun (I haven’t thrown those sorts of shapes since dancing in the Strong Rooms with Pippa, Ana, and Elena), I’m sure I’ll be regaling many-a-tale about this place in the months to come.

SIFF

Today I’ll be giving you a few facts about our current prime minister and Parliament.

1) As head of state, Queen Elizabeth II is represented in Solomon Islands by a governor general who acts on the advice of the prime minister and the cabinet. The Governor-General of Solomon Islands is elected by parliament, as is the Prime Minister.

2) Since independence in 1978, Solomon Islands has seen 11 prime ministers with Manessah Sogavare and Peter Kenilorea both voted in for a second term whilst Solomon Mamaloni, the first ever PM, sat for three terms in total. The current  Prime Minister is Gordon Darcy Lilo. He has been in power since 16^th November 2011. The term of a Prime Minister depends on the decisions of the party, similar to that of the UK system.

3) Since independence, there have been 6 Governor-Generals. The incumbent Governor-General is Frank Kabui, a former high court judge, who has been in post since 15^th June 2009. The term of a GG lasts 5 years.

That’s all for this entry folks. Have to dash to frisbee. Wishing you a great day and please do write.

Much love.

Kennton xx

Part 11 - Nature's beauty

25.04.2013

Hello friends and loved ones,

Happy Wednesday! How the devil are you all today?

It seems like a busy month for birthdays - much love to Luise, Isabel, Melissa, and Andrew! Also, wishing Steve a safe journey to Papua New Guinea to finally start is ODI placement. And thanks to everyone that wrote to me.

7 months into my placement now J

Dive, dive, dive

Without any contest, the highlight of the last couple of weeks has been diving. Last Saturday, for the first time since Lukasz and I passed our open water diving course, I went diving in the deep blue sea with Carlos and Sophie. My goodness – I was absolutely terrified but after much persuasion, I eventually pulled myself together and entered the wonderful world of the Pacific Ocean…and boy was it a wonderful world. Let me take you there…

As I slowly descended underwater, I looked around to see what can only be described as paradise. The visibility was about 25 metres that morning. Laid bare in front of me was a coral version of the Grand Canyon with the vibrancy of colours and weirdly shaped objects of a Star Trek set (the Captain Kirk era as opposed to the Captain Picard era of course). There must have been thousands of fish in all shapes and sizes, from the tiniest neon blue ones dancing around their anemone home, to huge tuna fish that were about half my body size that darted through the canyon’s deep valleys and illusive caves.

Swimming cautiously further into the deep, the WWII wreck was rapidly approaching on the left hand side. I saw two divers swim through the hull of the old ship (don’t think I’m that confident yet) chasing after this flash of orange that sped passed me. Above my head, there were huge waves of fish busily swimming among one another yet minding their own business and being occupied by what seemed to be their usual morning routine. Watching them reminded me of the equivalent hustle and bustle of the London Tube or the Manila’s transit system – buuuuuuuuuusy!

The wreck is massive although I can’t recall the dimensions of it. So many parts of the ship have remained as if Japanese vessel only sank yesterday...sad really. In fact, I remember seeing Carlos peering down into the ship’s main gun. When it was my turn to look, it’s fair to say I was a little apprehensive at the thought of a shell blowing out of it. What actually happened was that a small clown fish poked its body out…look at Nemo being such a joker!

When I wasn’t spending my time constantly checking my dive computer for depth and air (21.1 metres – take that Mr. Tobiasz!), I was able to catch a glimpse of this strange black ball of mass, matching the size of my head, and bobbing through water. The creature looked a spaghetti junction marble, which grew and shrank and wobbled like a jellyfish – so much mystery in one entity. In terms of other beauties, Carlos also saw and poisonous lion fish and Sophie spotted a giant clam.

The great thing about the diving that day was that Carlos and Sophie brought their underwater camera so I have a few pics to share with you. Unfortunately, we videoed quite a lot of the creatures so not so many actual pics.

Exercising the mind and the body…

With the imminent arrival of the Inter-Bank Tournament, a day of sports for CBSI, commercial banks, insurance and pension companies, it’s sport mania at the Bank at the moment. We’re now up to two evenings of netball training every week and the other sports are also gearing up – the netball team are coming along nicely. What’s more, the organising committee have agreed to allow men to play in the netball tournament – yay!

It’s not just physical sports though – the organising committee has announced the inclusion of chess. As a result, the Bank is hosting training sessions for chess too so lunchtimes are now being taken up by chess…reminds me year 8 playing against Dr. Street. Just like then, my skill level remains at ‘beginners’ status! Lots of fun though.

The Onesie arrives in Honiara

In addition to sporting activities, I’ve been keeping myself fit by dancing. Caroline and Cid recently hosted Honiara’s very first onesie party. And before you ask, yes I did wear a very hot cotton onesie (Polska crew – notice anything familiar?) and yes I did have a costume change. In my defence, this was due to ripping a modest size hole while demonstrating the full extent of my Filipino-Singaporean dance moves – arguably the hottest moves in town ;) Jokes! Puja – it was like being at a Destiny’s Child concert…but better!

                                                                                                        

So long, farewell…

Over the last fortnight, my friends and I said goodbye to Ben (that’s right – Lamington Cake Ben from my last blog entry), who has finished his programme and is now back in Melbourne. And yesterday, Jesse (Frisbee Jesse who lived in Camberwell when I lived there – small world – just saying), announced he is cutting short his volunteer placement by a couple of months to start a new job in Melbourne (I know – Melbourne is obviously the happening place, dear friends.)

Soon, a mass exodus will be occurring what with Jarrod, Theo, Irene, and Ben finishing their placements too. Well, better to think about enjoying the remaining weeks than them leaving I say…We’re off to Mbeki in Central Province in two weeks – woohoo!

Solomon Islands Fact File (SIFF)

Finally, welcome back to SIFF. Today’s interesting facts are about the ethnic tensions.

1. Although more than 90% of the islanders are ethnic Melanesians, ethnic tensions between the Isatabus on Guadalcanal, the largest island, and migrant Malaitans from the neighbouring island, led to fighting in 1998 when the Isatabu Freedom Movement began to force Malaitans out. Fighting continued leaving around 100 dead.
2. Despite efforts of an Australian-brokered peace deal being signed in October 2000, lawlessness continued until the arrival of an Australian-led peacekeeping force in July 2003. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), as they are better known as, have been present since 2003 but are due to withdraw in the comings months as the country returns to peace and social and political stability seems to be returning.

Anyway, best go now as time is a-ticking and plenty of work to finish. Wishing you all a super day/afternoon ahead and looking forward to hearing your news very soon.

Much love and God bless.

Kennton xx