11TH

"CULTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE"

WELCOME PACKET

MINI: JUNE 28 - JULY 8, 2012 FULL: JUNE 28 - JULY 13, 2012

3566 Harding Ave, Suite 202 , Hawai’i 96816 Phone (808)732-1999 Fax (808)732-9555 Email: [email protected] Website: explorethepacific.com Welkam!

Welcome to Pacific Island Institute’s program to the for the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts. We are delighted that you will be joining us and believe that you will have a wonderful time with some of the most interesting, polite, considerate and friendly people in the world!

Please take the time to read the enclosed Welcome Packet thoroughly, as we have tried to include information that has proven helpful to our participants in the past. This Welcome Packet and forms are also available online on our website. To access these documents online, go to: www.ExplorethePacific.com/fpa.asp

May we suggest that you: 1. Read all the information contained in this mailing. 2. Make your airline and other travel reservations (if you haven’t already made them) 3. Complete and return your information forms to us. 4. Ensure that you have a valid passport with any necessary visas for and Solomon Islands (more on this later)

Pacific Island Institute has been taking people to the Festival of Pacific Arts since 1992 as one of the hundreds of programs we’ve run in the , Melanesian, and Micronesian parts of the Pacific since 1988. Through our programs, Pacific Island Institute is dedicated to providing positive cultural interactions; to ensuring our programs are culturally and environmentally sensitive; to involving local people in decision making; and to protecting sustainability and respecting indigenous cultures and environments. For more information on PII, please visit our website at www.ExploreThePacific.com. For questions regarding this program, please contact:

(8:00am-5:00pm Standard Time Pacific Island Institute, Ltd 2-6 hours earlier than North American 3566 Harding Avenue, Suite #202 Time zones, Monday-Friday) Honolulu, HI 96815 Ph: (808) 732-1999 Fax: (808) 732-9555 E-mail: [email protected] www.ExploreThePacific.com

You will receive our Final Packet approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival in Honiara. This Final Packet will contain a sample itinerary of your program, emergency contact information, a list of the enrolled participants, and other helpful information.

Tanggio (“thank you”) for selecting to travel and experience with us. We are confident that you will have a wonderful time. We look forward to making your visit to the Solomon Islands exciting, eye-opening, and intellectually stimulating.

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Festival of Pacific Arts Since 1992 we have taken a limited number of participants with us to the Festival of Pacific Arts that occurs just once every four years. This “Olympic of Arts" is designed to bring together the diverse cultures of the Pacific to exchange the best each culture has to offer. Intended as an opportunity for island communities to share cultural traditions, it has grown to include a wide range of cultural forms.

The theme for this year's Festival is "Culture in Harmony with Nature". The theme highlights two important terms – culture and nature - which native people throughout the Pacific believe are the cornerstones of their existence. Indigenous people have lived a harmonious coexistence within their environment for hundreds of years. Indigenous culture is always closely attached and connected with the natural world. Much of the history and traditions are reflected through traditional medicines, navigation, tools, performances and various art forms.

Western contact and modern globalization has seemingly separated this important link between man and his environment. This separation has led to discussion of issues concerning topics such as climate change, rising sea levels, natural disasters and how it impacts our current relationship with the environment. In addition to the arts, this festival will be used as a forum to unite the Pacific and the world, to join together to preserve the environment from these impacts and to reconnect more harmoniously with the natural world.

According to the official festival website, "The 2012 festival is a unique opportunity for Solomon Islands to showcase its cultural diversity to the Pacific region and the world. It will be a time of unification and celebration for Solomon Islands, creating much-needed opportunities in the field of arts and culture, and contributing to social and economic progress. It will be the largest regional event ever hosted in Solomon Islands, with about 2,500 performers, artists and cultural practitioners from 27 countries and territories in the Pacific region, plus hundreds of visitors who are keen to see and be part of the festival."

The daily schedule of our program during the festival has intentionally been left open and unscheduled, to provide you with independent time to browse and explore the areas that suit your particular areas of interest. The festival will be an incredible opportunity for you to experience ceremonial arts, carvings, painting, tattooing, filmmakers, musicians, craftsmen, authors, dancers, and culinary arts and foods of each area.

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Another goal of our program is to give you an educational introduction into the Solomon Islands, and the opportunity for the study of the ancient Melanesian people who settled in the Solomon Islands. You will learn about their cultural heritage and their lives and get a chance to see the remnants of the World War II and discuss the effects the war had on the indigenous people of these islands.

We will follow the journey of the people from past to present, from the ancient cultural practices of the early inhabitants of these islands, through their survival during attack by warring nations and now by businesses wanting to exploit their natural resources. You will get to meet and interact with people that will open your eyes to new cultures, and experiences. They are friendly, respectful, intelligent, and welcoming - all important aspects of their traditional lifestyles.

INSET see map below

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Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its 922 volcanic islands, low-lying coral atolls, and cays, are scattered in a double chain over some 900 miles in a south-easterly direction, covering an area of approximately 249,000 square nautical miles. With only 10,639 total square miles of land, this country’s land area is approximately the size of the State of Maryland. The Solomon Islands are located in the Melanesian region of the south-western Pacific and the , stretching from Bougainville Island in to .

The country encompasses most of the Solomon Islands group, notably , New Georgia, Santa Isabel, , Choiseul, San Cristobal (Makira), and Vella Lavella, as well as Ontong Java (Lord Howell) Atoll, Rennell, and the Santa Cruz Islands.

English is the official language of the Solomon Islands, but in much of the country, Melanesian pidgin is lingua franca. There are 71 known traditional languages in the Solomon Islands - of those, 66 are living languages and 5 are extinct. There are 87 recorded local dialects unique to individual islands. Please note that although English is widely spoken in Honiara, there is a strong local accent that can make it hard to understand at times.

Native Solomon islanders are Melanesian people who settled in the islands some 5,000 - 6,000 years ago. The population of the Solomon Islands is estimated to be over 584,000. The vast majority of these - approximately 94% - are Melanesian, while make up 3% and Micronesian settlers from , usually called the Gilbertese, about 1.5%. The remaining 0.5% is made up of Europeans and Asians.

Traditionally, Solomon Islanders are family-oriented. They tend to allow the male to choose his own wife, and the marriage ceremony is an elaborate affair. Affection is generally not shown in public. The father acts as head of the household and, even in these days of equal opportunity, the woman’s role is still to be a good wife and mother. The extended family includes more than the nuclear mother/father/children. All elders are respected and remain in the home to be cared for by children and grandchildren.

Communal, familial and clan ties are very strong and are a major part of the Melanesian culture. Most people consider themselves to be part of an immediate family of 200 and can trace their ancestors back at least ten generations. The pidgin word "wantok," (which derives from "one talk" meaning people from the same language group) is used to indicate blood relatives in the extended family.

In , the big man cult prevails. While in Polynesia inheritance plays a major role in who ascends to chiefdom, this is not so in Melanesia. In the Solomon Islands, the big man or chief is the

Page | 5 one in the village who is the richest and most influential or the best at settling disputes. Anyone may ask the big man for assistance, but his or her decision is law.

The word “kastom” (custom) is used when villagers refer to traditional beliefs or land ownership. When something is kastom, it is something done in a given way, it has always been done in this way, and the people feel that it is right. Breeches of kastom are always frowned upon.

The economy of the Solomon Islands is basically a rural and subsistence one. The bulk of the population depends on subsistence agriculture, fishing, and forestry for at least part of their livelihood. The main industries are fishing, timber, agro-processing, oil palm, cocoa, and copra. Tourism in the Solomon Islands is growing.

Approximately 84% of Solomon Islanders live in villages. Most villages are coastal and near a fresh water spring. Those in the village generally produce very little beyond their own needs, but live very comfortably on what they produce. With the richness of the land and the providence of the rainforest and sea, as well as the ethic of sharing goods and property between “wantoks,” none need to go hungry. Families often have a small coconut plantation from which they produce copra, which may be sold for a small amount of cash at the local mill (for use in making coconut oil). They also have a few garden plots in which they grow bananas, taro, yams, cassava, sweet potatoes, cocoa, and rice for their own use and to be sold at the local town markets, but such economic activity produces very little income. The nearby rainforest provides traditional crops, nuts, fruit, ferns, and the materials needed for house and canoe construction as well as most of the materials necessary for daily life. The village exists without many of the material goods common in the visitor’s culture. There is no display of material wealth among the villagers despite major gradations in status.

There is now, however, a small percentage of the population living in poverty. In the villages there is good social control as everyone is known to every other person. In the cities, towns, and urban areas however, one does not have the support system and has to rely totally on one's own.

One result of modern education and society is that the young people want the excitement of the “big” city. The result is that many go to Honiara to find work, but work is not readily available in the city for people without higher education, good communication abilities, and advanced technological skills, so you will see people loitering around, especially in certain parts of town.

The first documented European contact was in 1598. The explorer found alluvial gold in Guadalcanal, so - thinking he had found the source of (the biblical) King Solomon's great wealth – he named the islands the "Isles of Solomon." In 1893, the islands became a British protectorate. The history of the United States is intertwined with this nation as some of the most bitter fighting of World War II occurred on this archipelago during the Japanese occupation in 1942. The war eventually claimed 7,000 American and 39,000 Japanese lives. During the war, the local islanders

Page | 6 for the most part were sympathetic to the Allied forces. After the war ended, a new capital was established in Honiara and around the new American airstrip (Henderson Airfield) on Guadalcanal. Self government was achieved in 1976, and independence two years later in 1978. Ethnic violence and government malfeasance undermined the country's stability in early 2000. Since 2003, an Australian-led multinational force, RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands) has been generally effective in restoring law and order and rebuilding government institutions. Solomon Islands still maintains close relations with Britain and many of their legal and parliamentary procedures are based on the British model.

What Your Program Cost Includes . Includes round-trip air between Brisbane, Australia and Honiara, Solomon Islands (BNE/HIR/BNE). Note: Program begins and ends in Brisbane, Australia (BNE) . Accommodations at the Heritage Park Hotel, a 3.5 star, three-story walk-up, which we feel is the best for your needs (and also the best hotel in Honiara) . Daily breakfast . Three (3) included dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinner . Four days pre-festival activities to get oriented and learn about the Solomon Islands and the Festival of the Pacific Arts through tours and expert lectures . Included Honiara orientation and environs city tour . Included lecture and tour of the battlefields and impact of WWII in the Solomon Islands . Included cultural village tour . Included arrival and departure airport transfers in Honiara . Pacific Islands Institute Group leader on site, 24/7 . Lots of independent time to explore and experience the richness of the Festival on your own while travelling in the company of fellow Pacific arts and culture enthusiasts . "Full Festival" participants also have: o (5) Five additional days to explore the Festival o (5) Five additional nights at the hotel including breakfast daily o Additional included dinner o Full day sightseeing and snorkeling marine tour Costs not covered include, but are not limited to: insurance, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs, etc. - please see Expenses Abroad section).

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Program Staff You will be accompanied throughout your program by a Pacific Islands Institute Group Leader. This person facilitates all included program group administrative details, such as group airline and hotel arrivals and departures, included group meals, and group transportation reconfirmations. Although knowledgeable, your Group Leader is not an instructor or a local expert. All instructors, guides, and other program staff you meet will be residents of the country which you are visiting. Your Group Leader will plan on meeting you in Brisbane at the Brisbane Airport Virgin Atlantic check-in desk and will accompany you through the group’s return to Brisbane. For those on the mini-program, your Group Leader will see you off to the airport in Honiara.

Tentative Itinerary NOTE: ALL items, days and dates of events subject to change Thursday, June 28 Depart Brisbane, Australia to Honiara, Solomon Islands Arrival and transfer to Heritage Park Hotel Welcome Dinner and Orientation

Friday, June 29 Half day city tour of Honiara and surrounding environs

Saturday, June 30 Tour of World War II Battlefields

Sunday, July 1 Village tour Dinner and introduction to festival venues

Monday, July 2 Official Opening Ceremonies

Tuesday, July 3 - July 7 Independent experiences of the festival

Saturday, July 7 Group Dinner, reflection, exchange Farewell to Mini Program participants

Sunday, July 8 Mini Program only - transfer to Honiara airport, flight departure to Brisbane

Monday, July 9 - July 11 Independent experiences of the festival

Wednesday, July 11 Tentative closing ceremonies - note this date is not yet finalized, and may be as early as Tuesday, July 10th.

Thursday, July 12 Snorkeling excursion Farewell Dinner, reflection and exchange

Friday, July 13 Full Program - transfer to Honiara Airport, flight departure to Brisbane

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Airline Information We are scheduled to depart Brisbane, Australia on Thursday, June 28, 2012. Please be sure that your originating flight will get you to Brisbane in enough time to meet your Group Leader at the airport at the Virgin Australia check-in desk (please note that this may involve flying into Brisbane on June 27th, the day before the group departure). The scheduled flights are as follows (subject to change by airlines). Please be sure to RECONFIRM your flight times on your day of departure.

MINI PROGRAM: THURSDAY, 28 June 2012 Brisbane (BNE) to Honiara (HIR) Virgin Australia Flight #: DJ 4169 Depart Brisbane: 10:00 AM Arrive Honiara: 2:10 PM

SUNDAY, 08 July 2012 Honiara (HIR) to Brisbane (BNE) Solomon Air Flight #: IE 700 Depart Honiara: 3:00 PM Arrive Brisbane: 5:15 PM

FULL PROGRAM: THURSDAY, 28 June 2012 Brisbane (BNE) to Honiara (HIR) Virgin Australia Flight #: DJ 4169 Depart Brisbane: 10:00 AM Arrive Honiara: 2:10 PM

FRIDAY, 13 July 2012 Honiara (HIR) to Brisbane (BNE) Solomon Air Flight #: IE 700 Depart Honiara: 3:00 PM Arrive Brisbane: 5:15 PM

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Entry / Exit Requirements The U.S. State Department provides a free travel registration to U.S. citizens who are traveling in another country. Registration will allow you to record information about your trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist in the case of an emergency. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State's Travel Registration site: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

AUSTRALIA VISA: For U.S. and Canadian citizens an Australian Visa is required. You will need an Australian ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization (Visitor) Visa. There is no application charge, but there is currently a service charge of $20.00 USD that will be applicable. This visa is valid for three months, and is valid for 12 months from the date of the grant. We recommend that you apply for your visa no less than two weeks prior to your departure. You can apply online, with your travel agent or with the airline. Once approved, you will be provided with your confirmation. To apply online, go to: www.eta.immi.gov.au.

SOLOMON ISLANDS: You do not need a visa to enter Solomon Islands if you are a U.S., Canadian or Australian citizen. You must be in possession of a Passport that is valid at least ninety days from your departure (we recommend six months), onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. You may be denied boarding at check-in or turned around upon arrival in Honiara if your documents are not in order. Visitor permits are granted upon arrival at Henderson International Airport in Honiara, and you may enter any number of times as long as your total time in Solomon Islands does not exceed 90 days in a 12-month period. You must also have blank or adequate unused pages in your passport (recommended that you have two free pages in the visa section).

For more information about entry requirements, please contact the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations at 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017-4709; Tel: (212) 599-6192 or 6193 or visit the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations web site - http://www.un.int/wcm/content/site/solomonislands

HIV/AIDS RESTRICTIONS: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Solomon Islands. According to the Solomon Islands Immigration Act Cap 60, Section 4 (1) (d) and section 11, subsection (2), an immigration officer can bar you from entering the country or deport you if you refuse to submit to an examination by a government medical officer after being required to do so.

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Heritage Park Hotel Our accommodations while we are in the Solomon Islands will be at the Heritage Park Hotel. Heritage Park Hotel is located on Mendana Avenue in Honiara’s central business district, set on over five acres of prime central waterfront land and tranquil landscaped gardens. The hotel on the former site of the Governor’s residence. The original residence was a stately home of large proportions, and is now home to some of the hotel’s public areas, which include restaurants and bars, reception desk, conference facilities, business centre and three retail outlets built throughout the landscaped grounds. The hotel is located adjacent to the main shopping area and is within 250 meters from the British, Australian, , US, Japanese, and other embassies and consulates.

The hotel is also well known for its creative dining menu, and guests can enjoy cuisine from around the world Restaurants on-site include  Renaissance: Formal dining in an international standard ala carte restaurant featuring European and Pan Asian cuisine  The Terrace: Casual all day dining  Pool Side: Casual all day dining

All rooms overlook the ocean or landscaped gardens, are tastefully furnished with all contemporary conveniences and luxuries, and have either queen or twin beds and a well-appointed ensuite bathroom with separate shower. All rooms and public areas are non-smoking, with smoking allowed on balconies and at The Terrace restaurant only.

Amenities at the hotel include: o Wireless internet access (fee) o In room electronic safe (complimentary) o Laundry services (fee) o Mini-bar (fee) o Hairdryer o Clock radio o Remote controlled LCD TV o Iron & ironing board o Tea / coffee making facilities o Telephone with voice mail and direct dial o Foreign currency exchange o 24 hours business centre with wireless & broadband service. o Swimming pool o Doctor on call

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Health, Safety and Physical Considerations We advise you to exercise normal safety precautions in the Solomon Islands. Visitors can be attractive targets for opportunistic crimes. You should avoid obvious displays of wealth and take particular care when using automatic teller machines (ATM's) and when frequenting crowded places.

Because of the nature of this program, agility is a must. Group members should be in good health, able to stand comfortably for 30 minutes at a stretch and walk at least one mile in high humidity with minimal discomfort. Sidewalks are virtually non-existent in many areas and uneven terrain often will be encountered. On some field trips the bus will drive on unpaved roads which can be very bumpy and can cause some jolting to the body. Physical activities include walking (sometimes on slippery paths), and may include hill climbing. Swimming and snorkeling will be available, mostly as optional activities. Please complete the attached forms and return them to our PII office.

Medical Clearance The most recent information we have received from the U.S. Department of State, Department of Consular Affairs, and Travel.State.Gov states that "Most serious endemic diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and typhoid are not a problem for travelers." The Center for Disease Control bulletin states that no special immunizations need to be taken prior to travel in these countries, however, for visits to Solomon Islands MANY RECOMMEND ANTI-MALARIAL MEDICATION (such as Larium, a once a week anti-malarial pill) to start prior to your departure. We highly recommend that you check with your doctor or a health care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine and is familiar with your individual health condition. Be sure to bring your prescription drugs with you on your program AND a copy of the prescription, as well as hearing aid batteries or eye glass prescriptions, if necessary. All medicines are recommended to be in original containers and should be hand-carried and not packed. It is also a good idea to bring a pain reliever, laxative, antibiotic ointment, band aids, and either kaopectate, lomotil, or Imodium. Your Group Leader is CPR and First Aid certified and carries a basic first aid kit, but we recommend you bring your own supply of basic first aid items with you as well (bandaids, antibiotic ointment, etc).

Hospitals and pharmacies in Solomon Islands are limited to populated areas and religious missions. Medical care options are extremely limited. The nearest major medical facilities are in Australia or New Zealand. Serious medical treatment requiring medical evacuation to Australia, New Zealand, or the United States can cost many thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Malaria occurs throughout the year in most areas of Solomon Islands. We recommend that you seek medical advice on taking prophylaxis against malaria and that you use an insect repellent at all times. Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne illness, dengue fever, occur from time to time. For

Page | 12 information on dengue fever, see the World Health Organization Factsheet (www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/en). Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, tuberculosis, filariasis) are prevalent, with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. While the water at the Heritage Park Hotel, where we will be staying, is filtered and fine to drink (including the water used to make ice cubes), we advise you to exercise caution and discretion while away from the hotel when drinking water or beverages with ice cubes, or eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables, and raw or undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhea. You can find information on vaccinations and other health precautions: o CDC website: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information: o www.who.int/topics/infectious_diseases/en/ o http://www.who.int/countries/slb/en/

General Information Our goal has been to arrange a stimulating program on your behalf while leaving you lots of free time to explore the festival independently on your own and at your own pace. Please let your Group Leader know if you do not plan to participate in our scheduled events. There is much to learn from the indigenous people with whom you will interact. Enjoy the opportunity to delve more deeply into their cultures during the festival.

Traveling in the South Pacific is a unique experience. Our plans generally run very smoothly, but sometimes things do not happen "on time" and occasionally may not happen at all! Despite our best efforts, you may encounter "local time," which is an explanation for things happening when people are ready, but not necessarily as soon as we are or on our western timetable. In the Pacific, native cultures were never time critical. Schedules are understood, but do not have the same value sticking to specific timing in the way most people from North America do, so please be patient! Your program will be a marvelous learning experience if approached openly and with a positive attitude. If and when things do not happen according to the schedule, just flow with "local time."

Climate The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. We are traveling during the typical dry season, where southwesterly winds produce pleasantly mild weather. Daytime coastal temperatures range between 27oC to 32oC (81oF - 90oF) and in the evenings the temperatures may fall to 19oC ( 66oF). The humidity is highest in the mornings and can reach up to 90%. During this time, rainfall is light and rain periods are usually several days

Page | 13 apart. Temperatures and weather mentioned are typical, but as all things dealing with Mother Nature, may vary and are subject to change.

Currency & Expenses Abroad Shell money was the traditional Solomon Island currency before western style bank notes were introduced. The standard form of currency in the Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD). There are three major banks (ANZ Banking Corporation, Bank South Pacific, Westpac Banking Corporation) and a number of ATM (automatic teller machines) throughout Honiara and the country. Banking hours are usually 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. Use of traveler checks and credit cards are accepted in most major resorts and restaurants, but seldom accepted out of a major town.

You should have sufficient funds to pay for any purchases you may wish to make and for unforeseen events. Only meals indicated have been prepaid (breakfast daily, and three dinners). All other meals and transportation to the festival venues are on your own. In the event of a mishap such as losing luggage or important personal effects, or the need to pay for a doctor's visit, you will need access to local currency.

We arrive to Solomon Islands on Thursday after the banks have closed. Depending on our schedule, it may be a day or few before you can get to a bank. We recommend you exercise your own discretion as to whether to bring the bulk of your cash in traveler's checks as there are fees associated with all monetary exchanges, whether credit card, ATM or traveler checks. If you are using traveler checks, we recommend the main brands, Visa, Amex and Thomas Cook. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and tourist oriented shops, but elsewhere it is mostly cash. Local currency is required for all other transactions. You may be able to use ATM cards at some banks in to obtain local currency drawn on your account at home. Please check with your bank as to any fees that may be associated with the transactions. According to many reports, ATM’s may also offer the best exchange rates. Traveler checks in Australian dollars can readily be exchanged at the hotel desks and some businesses.

To summarize, you are responsible to cover all other expenses you incur during your time abroad. Common personal expenses include telephone calls, laundry services, alcoholic beverages, transportation to the venues, additional meals not included in the program and souvenirs. For the most comfortable and enjoyable experience, please plan ahead.

Gratuities Tipping in the Solomon Islands is not required or recommended. We recognize that some participants may wish to give monetary rewards to individuals who have provided outstanding service during the program. This is not necessary as modest gratuities for staff are included in the program cost where they are appropriate. If you do choose to reward someone for their service,

Page | 14 please do so on a private basis. We strongly discourage asking group members to contribute to a collection for tips, because the practice makes many people uncomfortable.

Electrical Equipment If you need to use local electricity (such as for charging a video camera battery), the current is 220 to 240 volts, 50 cycles AC and the adapter looks like this:

Smoking Policy The great majority of our group members are non-smokers. It is impossible for us to regulate the habits of residents of other countries. For the benefit of everyone, smoking is prohibited in all buildings, classrooms, restaurants, on buses or other conveyances. Group leaders, drivers, and other staff are expected to observe non-smoking areas established during the program.

Attire and What to Pack Dress in country is casual and modest dress is encouraged. When visiting villages, women should be sure that their attire covers below their knees as most local women do not wear shorts or pants. Bikinis should be reserved for the resort pool

Laundry service is only available part of the time. Each person should use one small, lightweight suitcase with a lock, wheels, and a luggage strap. Limit your total baggage to 44 lbs per person. This includes one (1) piece of check-in luggage and one (1) small backpack to use as a carry-on bag. You must be able to handle your own luggage at all times.

Bring luggage that is strong and has secure handles, but do NOT bring your "best Cardin," fancy clothing or any valuable jewelry. Buy a luggage strap, if necessary, to insure things stay closed or hooked properly! Your carry-on must have a secure closure for theft prevention and not be an open bag. We recommend a backpack, rather than a shoulder bag, so that your hands are free during field trips. While traveling, your carry-on should be used for medicine, a change of clothing, basic toiletries, a jacket, camera equipment and extra memory, reading material, and a folding umbrella. On field trips, you will use your backpack for rain gear, a water bottle, camera equipment and snacks. The generous amount of rain in some areas is what makes them so green and appealing, but it also means that you should never be too far from your poncho and small, easily carried, collapsible umbrella. A poncho, rather than a raincoat, is the recommended wet weather garment. It will cover you and your knapsack in a heavy downpour, and will drape to your feet like a tent, when seated. It will also allow for better air circulation in warm and humid weather.

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It is important that everyone pack as lightly as possible: remember, you must be able to carry your own bags. A secret to lightweight packing is to take tops (shirts, blouses) and bottoms (skirts, shorts, slacks) which can be combined. Whites tend to get soiled and black is hot, so consider other colors. You will be able to get your clothes laundered regularly during this program. We recommend light cotton or poly/cotton clothing: polyester can be too warm.

In addition, we suggest that you make two 8 1/2 X 11 photocopies of your passport and medical insurance card. Put one copy in your suitcase, or carry-on, and send a copy to PII with the attached information forms.

The following is a suggested general packing guideline:

FOR BOTH MEN & WOMEN Passport Medical Insurance Card Underwear and toiletries Mosquito/insect repellent Wind and rain proof jacket, and sweater Sunscreen Swimsuit Sunglasses 1 lightweight breathable rain poncho Travel alarm clock providing full-body coverage Small flashlight, extra batteries Folding umbrella Water bottle 1 pair of good walking or hiking shoes Camera, extra battery and extra memory suitable for rain & mud Handi-wipes 1 pair casual shoes Lightweight Binoculars (if desired) Socks Hat large enough to shade the back of your 1 pair sandals or rubber slippers neck Reef Shoes (or old shoes you don’t Prescription medicines (hand-carry) mind wearing in the ocean) Anti malarial medication Money belt or pouch  Antibiotic ointment & band aids  Swiss army knife (if desired)  Immodium AD or other anti-diarrhea pills  Packing tape and bubble wrap for souvenirs

FOR THE MEN 2 pairs of pants/jeans  3 Walking shorts (no gym shorts)  2 Aloha or collared sport shirts  4 T Shirts or Golf Shirts

FOR THE WOMEN  1 Dress - loose fitting cotton, calf length  3-4 Cotton blouses, T-shirts or golf shirts  1 skirt and top  3 pairs Bermuda shorts (may be worn in  1 slack & 1 jeans most places) or mid calf pants (short shorts never!)

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Travel Insurance We highly recommend that you consider purchasing Travel Insurance for this program. Insurance can cover you in the event you need to change or cancel your travel plans for covered reasons. For your convenience, we have either included separate information on trip cancellation, accident, baggage, and other insurances, or previously sent it to you. You may check the following link to sign up, or upon request, we will send you travel insurance information:

Travel insurance website: http://www.travelinsure.com/what/selection.htm?322271

Please refer to this information and decide if it is helpful to you. If you have any questions regarding travel insurance of any kind, the toll-free number from the U.S. is: 800-937-1387.

Invoice and Payment The balance of your payment is due by FRIDAY, March 16, 2012. Please make your check or money order payable to Pacific Islands Institute, Ltd. An invoice is attached showing your balance due. If you are paying with credit card, please fill out the information on your attached invoice and fax to our office at (808)732-9555.

Cancellations Because of the expenses associated with arranging this program, Pacific Islands Institute can only make the following refunds:

Cancellation up to Tuesday, March 27, 2012 50% of total program cost On or after Wednesday, March 28, 2012 No Refund

The Itinerary and festival events are subject to change without notice, and cancellation fees still apply should there be a cancellation due to an itinerary/program change. Cancellations must be in written form and received by the above dates by Pacific Islands Institute, Ltd. (PII) via mail to 3566 Harding Avenue, Suite 202 Honolulu, HI 96816, faxed to (808)732-9555 or emailed to info@pac- island.com during business hours 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Hawaii Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

In the unlikely event that Pacific Islands Institute cancels this program, you will receive a full refund of all payments.

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A Safe Trip Abroad (excerpted from U.S. State Department notes) Millions of U.S. citizens travel abroad each year. The odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip but remember that crime and violence and unexpected difficulties can befall people everywhere. Safety begins when you pack, so to avoid being a target, dress conservatively as a flashy wardrobe or one too casual marks you as a tourist. Avoid the appearance of affluence and carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash, and credit cards are usually the safest when locked in a hotel safe. When you carry them on your person, conceal them in several places rather than putting them in one wallet or pouch. Avoid hand bags, fanny packs, and outside pockets which are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. The safest place to carry valuables is probably a pouch or money belt that you wear under your clothing. When you leave the U.S., you are subject to the laws of the country where you are so learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs.

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would in an unknown city at home. Be especially cautious in crowded elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals, and marginal areas of cities. Don't use short-cuts, narrow alleys, or poorly-lit streets and do not travel alone at night. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. To avoid scam artists, beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains or to be your guide. Beware of pickpockets, they often have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, or distract you by creating a disturbance. Beware of groups of vagrant children. Be purposeful when you move about and if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible, ask directions only from individuals in authority and do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the report for insurance claims and at all times take responsibility for your own safety.

Completing and Returning Your Forms In order to provide you with the most efficient service, we ask you to return your completed forms to us as soon as possible, but no later than eight (8) weeks prior to your departure or by Friday, April 27, 2012. People traveling together may use one set of forms; however, each person must fill out their own Health Form. Please use your name as it appears on your passport on the forms in communicating with us. Married couples must use the full name of both individuals. For example: Do not use Mr. and Mrs. John Smith; use John A. Smith and Mary C. Smith.

Your program travel arrangements cannot be completed until your forms have been returned to us. Please fill in all sections on both the front and back of each page. So as not to delay travel planning, if you do not already have a valid passport and must apply for one, please do not wait to send in your forms. Send us your passport information once you receive it. Passport application forms can be obtained at your local post office.

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Suggested Readings A bibliography of recommended reading materials is listed below. Check your library, bookstores, and the internet for additional titles.

SOUTH PACIFIC BIBLIOGRAPHY

GENERAL Borofsky, Robert Alan. Remembrance of Pacific Pasts: An Invitation to Remake History. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu. 2000.

Crocombe, Ron. The South Pacific: An Introduction. Fifth Revised Edition. University of the South Pacific. , . 1989.

Crocombe, Ron. The Pacific Way: An Emerging Identity. Lotu Pasifika Productions. Suva, Fiji. 1976.

Crocombe, Ron. The Pacific Islands and the USA. East West Center. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1995.

Firth, Stewart. Nuclear Playground. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1987.

Goodwin, Bill. Frommer's South Pacific. Prentice Hall Trade Division, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc. New York.

Kirch, Patrick Vinton. On the Road of the Winds: An Archaeological History of the Pacific Islands Before European Contact. University of California Press. 2000.

Oliver, Douglas L. : The Native Cultures of Australia and the Pacific Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Oliver, Douglas L. Native Cultures of the Pacific Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Oliver, Douglas L. The Pacific Islands, 3rd ed. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Stanley, David. South Pacific Handbook, 6th ed. Moon Publications. Chico, California. 1994.

Taillemite, Etienne and Roselene Dousset-Leenhardt. The Great Book of the Pacific. Chartwell Books Inc. Secaucus, N.J. 1997.

LITERATURE Day, A. Grove and Stroven, Carl sel. and ed. Best South Seas Stories. Mutual Publishing Paperback Series. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Day, A. Grove. Rogues of the South Seas. Original title (1969) Adventures of the Pacific. Mutual Publishing Company. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1986.

London, Jack. South Seas Islands Tales. Mutual Publishing Paperback Series. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Maugham, W. Somerset. The Trembling of a Leaf: Including "Rain" and other Stories of the South Sea Islands. Mutual Publishing Paperback Series. Honolulu, Hawaii.

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NATURAL HISTORY Martini, Frederick. Exploring Tropical Isles and Seas: An Introduction for the Traveler and Amateur Naturalist. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Phalarope Series. New Jersey.

Myers, Robert F. Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Practical Guide to the Identification of the Coral Reef Fishes of the Tropical Central and Western Pacific. Coral Graphics. .

ART Dark, J.C. and Roger C. Rose, Eds. Artistic Heritage in a Changing Pacific. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1993.

Guiart, Jean. The Arts of the South Pacific. Golden Press. New York. 1963.

Kaeppler, Adrienne L. The Pacific Arts of Polynesia and (Oxford History of Art). 2008.

Meyer, Anthony J.P. Oceanic Art. Knickerbocker Press. New Jersey. 1995.

Takeuchi, Floyd K. Pasefika: The Festival of Pacific Arts. Amazon. 2011 (also available for iPad with video)

Waite, Deborah. Solomon Islands Art: The Conru Collection. 2008.

SOLOMON ISLANDS Bennett, Judith A. Wealth of the Solomons: A History of a Pacific Archipelago, 1800-1978. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1987.

Frank, Richard B. Guadalcanal: The Definitive Account of the Landmark Battle. Viking Penguin. New York, NY. 1991.

Keesing, Roger M. Kwaio Religion: The Living and the Dead in a Solomon Island Community. Columbia University Press. New York, NY. 1982.

McKinnon, Rowan and Carillet, Jean-Bernard and Starnes, Dean Lonely Planet Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands (Country Travel Guide) 2008.

White, Geoffrey M. Identity through History: Living Stories in a Solomon Islands Society. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge; New York. 1991.

Kwaioloa Michael. Living Tradition: A Changing Life in Solomon Islands. University of Hawaii Press. Honolulu, Hawaii. 1997.

WEBSITES http://www.welkamsolomons.com/ (Online tourism guide) http://www.commerce.gov.sb (Solomon Islands Department of Commerce, Employment, and Tourism web site) http://travel.state.gov/solomon_islands.html (Solomon Islands – Consular Information Sheet) http://www.welkamsolomons.com/ (Online tourism guide)

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