Two Days of Hustle and Learning in Honiara

Life inHoniaraSolomon Islands, can feel like a whirlwind—especially for someone like me, still finding my footing in a new role and a new chapter in life. These past two days were exactly that: loaded, meaningful, funny, emotional, and uniquely island-style.

Kosu Land — First Official Site VisitYesterday was my very first trip to Kosu Land, where ACOM’s new University will eventually stand. As a new project manager, stepping onto the site felt surreal.

The construction is still in its early stages and there’s plenty of work ahead, but one thing stood out—the Administration Building, now about 90% complete, already in its finishing phase. It gave me a sense of progress and purpose watching the future slowly take shape.
JCPU Administration Building

Corona Market — The Familiar HustleDriving back to the office, we passed Corona Market, alive with the usual hustle of Honiara life.
Women and men sat behind their tables full of garden produce, BBQ chicken, and smokes—an everyday but beautiful sight. People say Corona is cheaper than other places, but I can’t confirm that yet. What I did see was the determination on each vendor’s face as they worked to earn a living.
Corona Market



The Unexpected Heavy Rain

My plan was to attend class later in the evening, but nature had her own agenda.
Just before 5pm, heavy rain came down without warning. Suddenly everyone was packed into the nearest shelter, squeezed shoulder to shoulder. Taxis were full, umbrellas useless, and the whole situation turned into a chaotic race to stay dry.

Lucky for me, my cousin brother happened to drive past, spotted me sandwiched in the crowd, and rescued me. Class was officially a no-show for the night.

Slow traffic and heavy rain.
People hiding, heavy downpour.

Office Fundraising — Island Style

This morning, I worked on my site visit report—photos still pending since my colleague with the camera was absent.

Later, I walked over to our leaf hut, where staff were busy with a fundraising card game for our Christmas party. Each card costs $10, and the lucky winner walks away with a bag of rice.

The funniest part? Most people didn’t have money on them, so the women kept shouting,
“$10 card! $10 card!”
The scene was chaotic but entertaining. Honestly, I enjoyed it.

Card Fundraising 

Divorce Filing — A Moment of Reflection

When everything settled, something clicked: I remembered I had to see my lawyer.

At the office, he asked me a few questions needed to finalize the divorce petition. For the first time, I properly understood the difference between a petition and a sworn statement—new knowledge, but also a reminder of the journey I’m walking.

Afterwards, I found myself sitting under another leaf hut, eating my potato chips, feeling a bit emotional. Then I noticed the line printed on the packet:

“Life is never flat.”

I looked at it, smiled, and thought to myself, “Well, maybe you’re right.”

If you like reading this, read A morning that touched the soul. 

https://solvoice.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-morning-that-touched-soul.html?m=1

💬If you ever experienced moments like this. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.👇