The Solomon Islands are pleasantly void of mass tourism. For those that make it here no doubt wonder why. Even better is discovering Oravae Cottage a tiny island with a quaint cottage and "penthouse" double bedroom annex. You're fed by the local family who live at the end of the island and days are spent doing as much or as little as you please. Dive, snorkel, surf, trek or simply lie in a hammock watching the water changes from blue to green as the day goes by.

Ginger flowers grow spectacularly throughout the Pacific. Vanuatu and Solomon Islands may have the best selection in their markets - they're cheap, plentiful and absolutely stunning. Expats and tourists often crowd this part of the market.

The Solmon Islands is renown throughout the Pacific for its shell jewellery. Neckalces made from traditional currency - jewellery produced for brides is extremely elaborate and features heavy strands of shell money. Carved pendants, engraved pieces and fern or tortoise shell overlays are also features of Solmon Island jewellery. Solomon Islanders are so skilled at jewellery making, their work is found throughout the Pacific at local markets, with a significant mark-up. It has becomes a strong informal export business to those countries attracting a larger share of tourists. An excellent selection of shell jewellery can be found at the Honiara Central Market, and you won't have to fight with other tourists for the good pieces.

The docks behind the Honiara Market are home to several rusting ships, and occasionally one that is still seaworthy. The docks are now mostly used by stall holders to unload goods brought by small motorboats. This girl was playing with other children on the jetty, waiting for her parents to finish work at the market.