South Pacific – Jacek Proniewicz travel blog

Chuuk was originally part of the colonial territory of the Caroline Islands, and as such Chuuk has been a part of the Spanish Empire, then the German Empire and finally the Japanese empires.
During World War II, Chuuk Lagoon was the Japan’s main naval base in the South Pacific theatre. A significant portion of the Imperial Japanese fleet was based there, with its administrative center on Tonoas (south of Weno). Due to its heavy fortifications, both natural and manmade, the base at Chuuk was nicknamed by the Allied forces as “the Gibraltar of the Pacific”. In 1944 the U.S. forces attacked Chuuk under code name Operation Hailstone. The attack culminated in one of the most important naval battles of the war. Twelve Japanese warships, thirty-two merchant ships and 249 aircraft were destroyed.
After the War, Chuuk was one of six districts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands which were administered by the United States under charter from the United Nations from the end of the Second World War to the early 1990s. Now Chuuk is a state within the independed Federated States of Micronesia.

In 1944 the US Navy conducted Operation Hailstone, the largest surface bombing campaign in history, wiping out a Japanese fleet stationed at the island. The seabed around Chuuk is now littered with nearly 70 wrecks of ships and planes, all protected from deep sea currents by a reef system, and most within depths appropriate for scuba divers.
Although Truk Lagoon contains a number of spectacular wrecks, the Fujikawa Maru is often singled out by diving magazines and travel guides as one of the top 10 wreck dives in the world.
However, apart from scuba diving, there is not very much to do in Chuuk. There are no real beaches on Weno (although some of the outer islands which can be reached by boat do have beaches). None of the hotels on Chuuk even has a swimming pool. For non-diving spouses, a trip to Chuuk can be a dull and tiresome affair.

Next Yokahama ,Japan

Honiara ,Salomon Islands,Located on the island of Guadalcanal, Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands. Once in the spotlight for riots and civil unrest, the city has pushed through hard times to become a popular holiday destination.

Centrally positioned within the archipelago, and rich in World War Two history and Melanesian culture, Honiara is a hub for travellers visiting the South Pacific.
Dining.
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Honiara’s food scene presents an exciting mix of fares and cultures. Traditional dishes and ingredients are sold at markets, road side stalls and small downtown eateries, while a number of globally-inspired restaurants dot the oceanfront and the town’s main streets.

Markets are an integral part of Honiara’s and the South Pacific’s food culture; selling fresh produce and ready-made traditional dishes. Located downtown, the Central Markets are the country’s principal food markets, covering a whole block on the seafront. The SDA Market is a go-to for fresh fish and a quick meal. While the Kukum Market offers fresh vegetables and betel nut.

Neighbourhood canteens are also a great way to discover the Solomon Islands culture. Typically very small – often tiny shacks covered with chicken wire to prevent robberies – local canteens are akin to western-style corner stores, selling everything from mobile phone top-ups to canned goods.

A large expat community sees Honiara foster a modern and diverse international dining scene. Cuisines from all over the globe are represented at a number of reputable restaurants and cafes. Club Havanah is one of the area’s most famous restaurants, frequented by expats who indulge in the French fare, and mingle with local glitterati. On the waterfront, enjoying views of Savo, Raintree Café is another favourite Honiara haunt; serving bountiful pizzas and renowned deserts. A Honiara institution, rarely short of a crowd, Point Cruz Yacht-Club is best known for its cold Solbrew and simple western-style dishes. While downtown, Lime Lounge is a meeting point for expats, plating up satisfying breakfast and light meals.

As an island paradise with a sultry tropical climate, Honiara is privy to an abundance of fresh seafood. Sea King garners high praise for its Chinese-style seafood infused dishes. Cheap and very central, Garden Seafood also serves Chinese seafood staples such as sweet-and-sour fish fillet or prawns with nuts.
Shopping
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Shopping in Honiara proves to be an interesting and exciting experience. Markets bustle with fresh food, clothes and knick knacks, while outlets and shops brim with trinkets and intricately-designed handicrafts.

Atmospheric and bustling, Honiara’s main wharf provides a snapshot of Solomon Islands life. Pick through the chaotic Central Markets for hotchpotch mix of fresh local produce – including vegetables, fruits, fish and betel nut – and custom shell money and jewellery. A busy collection of stalls can be found set up near the wharf Monday through to Sunday.

Honiara is a great place to pick up souvenirs. A number of gift shops speckle the downtown area, selling a wide range of interesting souvenirs. The Melanesian Shop, Island Artefacts, King Solomon Gifts, Nautilus Gifts and the National Museum all stock similarly-priced handicrafts. Betikama Carvings is a great spot to pick up wood and stone carvings as well as woven baskets, shells and furniture. Betikama also features a scattering of war memorabilia.

Clothes shopping in the Solomons is generally limited to sarongs and tourist tees; however there are a number of second-hand shops that sell well known – albeit used – big-name brands. Charities in Australia and New Zealand ship bales and containers of second-hand clothes, books and bric-a-brac to the Solomons, to stores like: Island Clothing, XJ6, Hidden Kaleko Shop and Lei Clothing. It’s easy to tell when a new bale has arrived in store, as typically there is a large line of locals waiting for the shop to open. Chinatown is home to a few notable stores amid souvenir and local type stores.