The tropics

The tropics is amazing - really interesting and often very beautiful.

My days are full of activities, new discoveries and lovely moments and conversations that I can share with colleagues. It is really fun.

Last night the Senior Medical Officer Marcus and I prepared dinner for the Aspen Medical Crew. After spending the morning shopping for groceries in Honiara, including a trip to the colorful local market in the afternoon we prepared the dinner together with the help of some friends. Marcus prepared a spicy entree (hot peppers, garlic, tomatoes), chicken con carne and a delicious Phillipino chicken dish and I slow cooked a healthy and yummy coconut chicken and red lentil curry. Served with jasmine rice and Sol Brew (local light beer).

We laughed, chatted and ate and then a few of us stayed behind and relaxed whilst listening to European music and opera. Ahhh.It was a lot of fun and a fabulous night.

During the week, equipped with my camera, a black and white print out of Suz's Google map of Honiara, and a sense of adventure (and determination) I took one of the Aspen medical cars to tour Honiara and locate the home Suz and her family lived in during the 1970's.

To my surprise I found it and fortunately as the current tenant was home, I was given a tour of the house and allowed to take some photographs to send to Suz and her family.

Food - The fruit is delicious, especially the limes - so full of flavour. Their is a variety of cuisine available, including some scenic seaside restaurants. Meals at the GBR are very substantial and delicous and because food seems to be a large part of everyone's enjoyment/socialisation here, we tend to eat a lot!

Climate - Hot. Very hot and humid. Been wearing 30+ sunscreen and Bushman Deet 80% at dusk. Yesterday it was stormy and rained all day. The rain cleared some of the heat. It was wonderful to be indoors and to see the rain and ocean from my balcony at the King Solomon Hotel.

Sport - I had intended to hire/buy a bike as I wanted to cycle to/from work and explore the island, but due to liability issues and personal safety, I've had to abandon that idea. Instead, I'm keeping active by attending Yoga and Pilates classes at the Heritage Hotel which is within walking distance from our Hotel/home; I've started running at night in our gym followed by a dip in the pool; been going regularly for long walks around the "circuit" and pass local villages with colleagues; last Sunday a group of us, went swimming/snorkeling in the local beach (apparently the area is a Mecca for divers as the sea has a lots of coral, tropical fish and old war debride); and next week I hope to be able to attend some gym sessions at the GBR base where we work.

Back to night duty at GBR.

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