Getting There

The previous post gives you an idea of how far from Toronto the Solomon Islands are.  The distance is one factor, the other - how long does it take.  This trip is not for the  "I don't like airports" type of people.  Patience and making sure your devices are charged, will get you through.

Here is my trips flight itinerary:

Depart: 8:05am - It is already 12:05 am the next day in Gizo - which is 16 hours ahead of Toronto time.                                                                                                                                                            Arrive:  Gizo 4:30pm - two days later.

During those two days I have made stops in Los Angeles, Honolulu, Western Samoa, Fiji, Honiara and finally landing in Gizo in the Solomon Islands.  This itinerary includes 24 & 1/2 hours of actual flying time & 15 & 1/2 hours of layovers.  Total time to get there - 40 hours.  I did not schedule any overnight stops along the way, so the flight schedule was continuous.

Gizo Airport

The planes kept getting smaller as the trip to Gizo continued.  My last plane a Dash 8 was bigger than I thought it would actually be.  I arrived pretty much on time as all my connections worked out.  I'm not going to say this was easy or even fun.  I was just relieved to make it to my final destination - shower and have a cold beer.    

The Gizo Airport is modest and pretty basic.  No emergency personnel on duty to handle any issues.  On the plane, I asked if there were taxis to catch a ride to the town.  People didn't understand my question, as the airport is on a small island and you have to catch a boat to get over to the main island and the town of Gizo.  So instead of a car taxi you take a water taxi.  I'm finally here...