Time for a swim!

After a day of rain yesterday, it was nice to see the sun out today. We made the most of it, and took the kids to a beach. We drove through Honiara, and followed the road through the jungle, along the coast. Small huts and houses were along the road on both sides, as well as tiny little 'stalls', where you can buy one or two things (limes, pawpaw, bananas, peanuts, etc.) These stalls are everywhere - out the front of people's homes, along backstreets, and on the side of the road. People sit there all day, selling whatever produce they have left over from their gardens.

To get to the beach, we had to pay the land-owner. For $30 he lifted the bar across his road and let us through. That is the way things are done here. There was a beautiful fresh water creek running into the ocean, and several people had driven their cars into the creek and were washing them (also the way things are done here!)

Very tropical don't you think!

There was no sand at the beach, only pebbles, coral and shells, and the water level dropped off quickly, so we decided to swim in the creek. It looked beautiful, and was a lovely temperature too, so in we went. We were quite a sight though - all six of us wobbling our way across the rocky ground on our white, winter feet! Sophie was in and swimming first, followed quickly by Millie, and eventually we all enjoyed the cool, refreshing water. (For me, I was just pleased to be fully immersed in water for the first time since being here - those cold 2 minute showers don't really do it for me!)

We found out later on this place is called Mamara and is quite a popular place to come for a swim.

Following our swim, we headed back into Honiara to brave the markets again. Today they were much busier (being Saturday), and we found the smells a little over-powering (especially all the fish). Elora was pinched, poked and prodded a lot more today - everyone wanted to touch and feel her. I can't imaging what it would have been like if we had brought her as a baby - or worse yet, the twins as babies! The girls had been wanting to spend their money from Nanna, so we took them to the handicraft section and one man did very well from the four girls!

At the markets. Elora, Sophie and Amelia wearing their new necklaces. Brianna bought a turtle, carved from an oyster shell. $40 solomon each (just under $7).

After walking around everywhere looking for bread, (and not finding any) we finally hopped in the car and drove to where we knew there was a bread shop. As we turned into the street, a lady had her 4wheel drive stuck in a deep gutter. Her wheel was spinning. Within no time at all, there were about 10 men there to help her. One man got in the driver's seat while the others lifted up the back of the car and got it out! Then just as quickly, they all left. I met the lady (Australian) in the bread shop minutes later. She was very embarrassed, but extremely thankful for the kind locals!