Makira’s villages are separated by numerous rivers, and during cyclone season, transportation often comes to a halt due to flooding. Traveling from one village to another requires endurance, as long walks become the only option. As they say in the Solomons, it’s B11 time—relying on two legs instead of a vehicle.
After a tour of Ugi Island, I took a boat ride to Makira’s mainland, with a mission to visit schools where we had installed Kacific internet services. I spent the night in Waimasi, home to the warm and welcoming people of Tikopia.
The next day, I hopped onto an old, rusty Toyota Hilux. After crossing the first river, Puiraha, we encountered a flooded section that the vehicle couldn’t pass. With my destination—Kaokaoragana Primary School—still far ahead, I knew there was no turning back. Confidently, I signaled to the driver, “Hem ok, ba me walk from here.” But in the back of my mind, I was already picturing the long journey ahead.
The sun was still up when I started walking, but after about 40 minutes, the weather shifted. Strong winds blew in, followed by heavy rain. There was no retreat—no surrender. I pressed on.
The walk stretched over 9 kilometers. Along the way, I met surprised villagers who called out, urging me to take shelter from the rain. But with darkness approaching, I waved off their kind offers and kept moving.
One thing that kept me going was the villagers’ sense of direction. Every time I asked if I was close, the answer was always the same: “Just after that point.” Village after village, the response never changed. It was confusing, but oddly enough, it became my motivation—I had to keep going.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally made it. A 9-kilometer walk might not seem much for some, but for an old guy like me, it was a true test of endurance and fitness!
