I feel as though I am being lulled into a false sense of security. 

The view from the balcony
I’m living in a beautiful home, at the top of a steep, steep hill. It’s open plan living is filled with wood and white. It is equipped with more than you could need. The sea breeze blows in constantly causing the white curtains to billow inwards as the noise of the city drifts in from below. The balcony looks out over the tropical landscape to the ocean below and beyond to the Florida Islands, just visible in the distance. On the weekends, the music from the seafront hotels is heard long into the early hours. 

Honiara is not much different from many cities in developing countries.  The throng of the streets is an assault on all the senses. The busy,  bustling pavements are uneven and strewn with litter. The red spit of the betel nut everywhere as people jostle and grab and smile at you with their blood red smiles. The traffic is chaotic at best. Car horns, loud music and the constant chatter of voices do little to drown out the building work and industrialisation happening on every corner. The heat and humidity adding to closeness already felt. 

The throng of the market.
That said, there are many retreats away from the hustle and bustle. Lots of  cafes, restaurants and hotels offer you a good meal and a cold beer looking out over the Pacific. The lifestyle is extremely social. The local “coconut wireless” offers endless excursions and gatherings such as polka nights, bingo, karaoke, live music, local dancing, Zumba, hash harriers, football, diving, hikes and knitting. To name but a few. There is no time for a night off and you’ll never be lonely.

One of the many bizarre fibreglass sculputures .
But, I am leaving and going to live across the sea in Auki. I’m constantly reminded;

“Enjoy it while you can, as there’ll be none of this where you’re going”. 

I’m on a roller coaster of emotion. I’m excited, yet apprehensive. Some days I feel like a want to vomit, others I can’t wait to get there. It’s the not knowing I think. As the enormity of the task (I will be the first and only volunteer educator in the whole hospital) and the realisation I am highly unqualified for the role sinks in, the panic rises. Not least helped by the emphasis on the extra support that is available. I am told that if the amount of death and suffering doesn’t get to me,  then the isolation will. I am assured that I will experience some kind of breakdown in the first three months. They call it “the pit”. Something to look forward to. 

And I am (looking forward to it). I’m excited about living a simple, cleaner life. I’m excited about the challenges and not only the prospect that I can hopefully do something to help, but the things I will learn for and about myself. 

I waved off all my belongings on the long boat trip to Malaita yesterday, packed with food and a couple of bottles of gin (women don’t drink in Malaitian culture) to keep me company. 

So. One last weekend. I’m off to the seafront bar at the Heritage Hotel to hobnob with the expats. See you in Auki!!! 

15 thoughts on “My First Week”

    1. Thanks Alicia. I’ve been missing our sunrise walks up “the knob” more than you can imagine. Squawk is growing so fast and so pretty. Think about you guys often. Much love xxx

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  3. Good luck Anna you will be fantastic and make a difference whilst you are there. You’re a great nurse and a wonderful person with a big heart of gold. Enjoy your time there hun. Me and Leanne miss you and we send all our love and best wishes xxxx

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  4. Anna!!! You’re writing is amazing! Who knew you had this wonderful talent all these years? Good luck in Aucki!! Will be thinking of you and when you do fall into “the pit”, remember your friends and family love you very much! I’m so very proud of you!!! Love you xxx

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    1. Thanks hells bells! You’ve been with me every step of the way, right back to where it all began and that means a lot. Hope you’re enjoying Laos as much as Thailand. Love you too xxxxx

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      1. *The irony of me complementing YOUR writing skills whilst typing “You’re”….we’ll blame fat fingers and auto correct yeah? 😂😂😂

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  5. Anna we will all be with you every step of the way so keep putting fingers to the keyboard my friend. We were never put on this planet to bumble along and you out of anyone are pushing yourself to new lengths to squeeze ever experience you can out of it. I salut your adventurous spirit. I admire your braveness. And most of all I’m touched by your absolute giving to others regardless of your own sanity. It’s the epic of all epic journeys Anna so enjoy the ride and the rawness!! Good luck with the ‘pit’. Sounds delightful. I’m sure your mind bending Blue Note after party days will prepare you for this 😉 (Kind off)! If not BREATH!!!!!!! And I mean really breath. I, along with everyone else that loves you, will look forward to your blogs so keep em coming girl. I’ll be thinking of you from the Lakes, as life here feels somewhat mundane and meaningless to your new world. Go do your thing…

    Xxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Hey Lady Cov. Thanks so much. And I disagree whole heartedly that your life is meaningless and mundane! You have done and achieved so much. I, for one, will be seeking you out for a lakes retreat and a spot of acupuncture on my return. Wishing you all the luck in the world. Anna xxxx

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  6. Anna we will all be with you every step of the way so keep putting fingers to the keyboard my friend. We were never put on this planet to bumble along and you out of anyone are pushing yourself to new lengths to squeeze ever experience you can out of it. I salut your adventurous spirit. I admire your braveness. And most of all I’m touched by your absolute giving to others regardless of your own sanity. It’s the epic of all epic journeys Anna so enjoy the ride and the rawness!! Good luck with the ‘pit’. Sounds delightful. I’m sure your mind bending Blue Note after party days will prepare you for this 😉 (Kind off)! If not BREATH!!!!!!! And I mean really breath. I, along with everyone else that loves you, will look forward to your blogs so keep em coming girl. I’ll be thinking of you from the Lakes, as life here feels somewhat mundane and meaningless to your new world. Go do your thing…

    Xxxxxxxxxxcx

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  9. Hello Sista!
    Im with Helen on this one. What a read! I smiled and had a tear all within five minutes. Can only imagine what you are feeling. I too, am extremely proud to know you and have proudly spoken of “my friend Anna” since you left. I look forward to the updates and send you lots of love mate xx

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  11. Hey love!! ‘The pit’ sounds like fun 😂. At you’re going in with your eyes open. You will nail it I’m sure. Best of luck and can’t wait to hear the latest!! Try and ring someone if you get down. Hugs and kisses Rach, Shaun and Lily. Miss you xx

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