For two weeks leading up to arrival, the tourism board have been conducting classes in how to interact and welcome us as visitors. Word had got out and these classes soon became fully attended, there was a buzz about town of this huge cruise ship coming to their city. As we docked this morning there were people everywhere looking in awe at this unfamiliar sight tying up at this container ship dock. Two local dance troops were playing their version of bamboo pipes - from tiny ones you blow into, to huge baritone pipes that were hit with paddles. Dressed in traditional clothes (or lack thereof), they played, played and played - the energy throughout the whole two and a half hours was amazing.
Coming off the ship there were about 150 to 200 yellow shirt volunteers ready to help you with directions, to give you a walking tour or answer any questions. There were also information tents set up as well as three separate sites throughout the city to provide us with cultural shows and/or handicrafts to purchase. Inlaid wood and coconut carvings are big here as is handmade jewelry, shells and taka (sp) cloth items.
We did a couple of walkabout loops today, first to the handicraft markets to the right, then to Central Market and Chinatown to the left. So away we go and what initially looked to be a sea of menacing black people, most with red mouths and teeth (lots of Betel juice activity here - noted in a previous upload), we headed out to meet the locals. Well now was the time to put all the stereotypical stuff behind us as we were met with great big smiles, huge hello greetings, welcoming us to the Solomon Islands. Yes we were a sight that many of the young here had not seen before so the reactions were very interactive and fun. Pictures, no problem everyone except one Betel juice vending woman chewing her Betel juice were happy to have their picture taken (we figured she was enjoying the profits of her sales and didn't want her boss to know). Honks and waves from all motorists, bus drivers/passengers and just about anyone you walked by - the people were friendly and made us feel like rock stars.
Walking around the large and well set out and organized handicraft market we did negotiate and purchased a few items - a beautiful mask with inlaid mother of pearl and a a very nice salmon looking wood carving (I believe here known as a Rainbow Warrior), very nice solid piece made out of Redwood - it will look great up the coast on the fireplace mantel. We are not entirely sure how we are going to pack them to get home. But oh well, a great memento from the Solomon Islands.
Sail away was probably the most amazing one I have ever seen, everyone in the city must have come out to wave us goodbye. A dance troop performed about an hour before we were leaving with a sea of people barracked raced to the edge of the pier once our lines were released. Locals cheering, clapping and dancing as we blew our ship's whistle. Barbara, our on board travel guide, came past me with with her cheeks full of tears saying to me that she will remember this always as she has never seen such an outpouring of generosity from a port of call (and she has been doing this for 25 years). She was a mess, so I gave her a big hug which just brought on more tears, she at this point told me how "Special" this day truly was, looking out even tears started to well up in my eyes - travel is amazing as it can hit you in so many of your senses.
Quote of the day: Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go and you learn at once how big and precious it is. - Anon
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