Solomon Islands

We arrived at Guadalcanal, site of fierce fighting from August 1942 to February 1943. They just held a 75th year commemoration. Lots of wreckage of both Japanese and American ships and aircraft—so much so that the bay is known as Iron Botttom Sound. 

The SI gained independence in 1978, but they’ve been through tough times. Things are calm now. 

We visited the compound of a traditional SI family. Really a subsistence life style. We learned of their foods (yams, taro, cabbage, and some pork) and cooking techniques, and how they construct their huts. The men wear loin cloths (made from fiber of trees) and the women grass skirts (topless). The children are adorable. 

The narrator was the patriarch whose English was perfect. His mouth and teeth were stained red from chewing betel nuts, as are those of most adults. And the streets and sidewalks have stains of red everywhere from where they’ve spat!!