HI EVERYONE! Hope everyone is well? I'm now at the end of my third week here in Honiara. Just one left and am off to Gizo -yey! It's been a busy week of working hard and playing hard. The weather hasn't been great so have been taking advantage and busying myself in the hospital. Am starting to feel very much part of the team here and am getting included more and more. Had an interesting Gynaecology clinic on Thursday and was able to do many of the examinations and swabs, etc. Thursday night was a big karaoke night (honestly it never gets boring!) as Mark and Will were off to Gizo the following day. Two new girls have arrived from London who are really lovely, but declined a stay at Kiwi House - surprise, surprise! But they came with us to Karaoke and had a great time! The Aussies performed a worryingly good 'MmmBop' by Hanson - very impressed! But had a bit of a 'red wine head' the next day... As Tom and I made an executive decision last year in Truro NOT to go in to hospital with hangovers, following many a distressing Friday morning on ward rounds or in A&E... I was surprised to find myself on the Labour ward at 8:00 am cuddling my Oxford Handbook of O&G with a bottle of water in hand, hoping no one was going to ask me to do anything! Was feeling better around mid-morning luckily as the 1st stage labour ward was full of mums-to-be, and about 9 deliveries happened throughout the day. Two of which I did - hooray - i'm so happy!! I've kept missing them all week! There were lots of student nurses who need to get some deliveries under their belt in order to pass their module, so I couldn't do any more than that. But they weren't allowed to do any suturing, so I spent about 2 hrs from 4-6pm sewing people up! All good experience though! I saw some really happy mothers (and fathers!) that day, which restored my faith in the child birthing experience in the Solomons. Up until now I had been rather disheartened that it wasn't the happy, celebratory event that it often is in the UK, but Friday changed my mind. I think it's mainly because culturally the men aren't allowed to be involved in the labour process at all, and have to stand outside the department and wait. In England this is obviously different and allows for more of an emotional process of labour when the partner or family are able to be part of it. On Saturday a few of us went to Tenaru Falls which are supposedly one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific, and they're not wrong (see photos attached). It was fantastic. We all did a 2hr trek there and back which was pretty exhausting, but good weather for it thankfully. No 40 degree heat! Slightly reminiscent of Thailand, but with less poisonous snakes and spiders! When we arrived it was worth the wait - absolutely spectacular. We swam under the waterfall - a little cold, but lovely. And then climbed up to about half way. The girls and I stopped there but the boys carried on - crazy behaviour, it was so slippery! All in all a great day, but have completely destroyed my trainers and calves! Have realised that this is a fantastic elective for whatever level of 'activity' or 'bravery' you are at! There are so many beautiful places to visit outside of Honiara, and so many untouched islands and stunning views. Am growing quite attached to what at first seemed like a dirty, dusty city... first appearances can be deceiving! The Leeds girls have arrived back from Gizo today with tales of how lovely it is, so am looking forward to going there on Saturday. Have also discovered a cafe called the Lime Lounge here - you can get coffee, tea, muffins and full English breakfast there - a little oasis in the Honiara desert!! I'm so happy!! Must dash...will be in touch again soon - probably from Gizo! Take care and nice to still be hearing from you all xxx Big hugs Lisa xxxxx