Solomon Islands
Soon I will be flying from Toronto to the Solomon Islands. These islands are located in the middle of the south-west Pacific Ocean. Actually I’m flying to Gizo in the western provinces of this country situated just east of Papua New Guinea. The maps below give you some perspective. Assuming you have a fair idea of where Australia is located, the Solomon Islands are 2,000kms north-east off the north coast of Australia. I’ll give you some background info on this country before I tell my story.
The population of Solomon Islands, estimated to be about 580,000, is predominantly Melanesian (about 95%) although there are also small Polynesian, Micronesian, Chinese and European communities. There are 63 distinct languages in the country, with numerous local dialects. English is the official language but Solomons Pijin is the lingua franca for the majority of people. Its land mass of 28,400 km² extends over nearly 1000 islands comprising nine main island groups. The capital, Honiara, is located on Guadalcanal, the largest island.
The Solomon Islands was the site of a major campaign of the Pacific War of World War II between the Japanese and US forces. Many islands still have relics of military equipment left behind or destroyed during battles.
The Solomon Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years. In 1568, the Spanish navigator Álvaro de Mendaña was the first European to visit them, naming them the Islas Salomón. The proximity to the equator gives The Solomon Islands a very warm and consistent climate. Average highs are 30C - (86F) and lows of 22C – (72F). Shorts and sandal weather for sure.
Gizo
If you had a chance to read my posts about my trip to Ofu Island, you would know that trip was a result of a conversation I had with someone on a plane. Well this journey to The Solomon Islands has a bit of a similar history to it.
While I was in Pago Pago in American Samoa I had dinner at a bar/restaurant and struck up a conversation with an Aussie. His name was Doug and was there working on the construction of a new tuna cannery in Pago Pago. He carried a harmonica in his pocket and got up to play with the local band performing that night. I complimented him on his performance and he sat down to talk to me. I told him my story about searching for the South Pacific’s most beautiful beaches, and that I was headed to Ofu Island to check it out. He said, "Sounds good, but you should also check out Gizo – that is where you will find the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific".
Gizo
Well why not. You can read Lonely Planet, Frommers, Rick Steves and not be any farther ahead on where to find these beaches. A harmonica playing Aussie from Brisbane may well be my best bet. Now the adventure begins.