A land of contrasts

When we first arrived in the Solomons I commented to Geoff on how much smoke there was around. The problem is that there is little or no rubbish collection here, so everyone burns their rubbish. Every time we drive anywhere, there are always fires smoldering on the sides of the road. The rubbish piles and smoldering fires that line the main road are in stark contrast to the beautiful coastline and gorgeous flowering trees. It seems that the Solomons is a place of contrasts.

After a busy weekend, there was plenty of washing to get done this morning. I surveyed the sky to try and guess if it would rain or not - not an easy thing to do because it always looks and feels as if it will rain! I decided to risk it, and hung two loads on the line, but within minutes the whole line was covered in smoke. The rubbish pit on the base had been lit, and was busy smoldering and smoking away! I told myself that smokey, clean clothes were better than sweaty, dirty clothes!

The base rubbish pit. At least this has been dug into the ground. Most of the rubbish we see around Honiara is just piled up on the side of the road.

Speaking of contrasts, the rubbish pit is right next to this beautiful creek! It is so picturesque, with gorgeous water lilies flowering and wild ducks swimming around.