Stranded in the Solomon Islands, domestic flights cancelled

[kpc]

Looks like @Tiki is 1/2 way back to Honiara now

 

[drron]

Landed

Fantastic news.

 

[Tiki]

You all followed me home!

So after landing, straight to the pharmac_, Robitussin forte obtained and a few extra Metformin just in case. Diarrhoea seems to have cleared up.

Then we went to the hotel I had previously booked on Agoda because they had indicated they were willing to change the dates on their end and the manager was very sympathetic to what happened. So 2 nights accommodation recouped.

I booked the QF points award on Sunday. Based on previous posts I was not confident about getting reimbursed for cash flights. So that only leaves 2 nights.

We are not out of pocket for the Rennell Guesthouse. I did pay 2 nights. Solomon Airlines told the property to invoice them for the nights we were there. Actually I hope they get all 6 nights paid.

For last 2 nights I’m looking at one night at Parangiju Mountain Lodge about 1 hour from the airport. Maybe last night near the airport just to be safe. They have transport and absolute worst case scenario we can walk to the nearest village with our tiny 7kg backpacks.

 

[Quickstatus]

Glad you made it out @Tiki

I imagine the island residents experience such delays often having to rely on very old aircraft and non precision airports

 

[drron]

Great to hear that you are in Honiara I guess you are never going back to Rennell.
Must be such a relief for you and your husband Here’s hoping that there are no further problems getting back to BNE.

 

[kpc]

@Tiki Can I suggest in future to carry an extra month's worth of medication when oversaes in case of unexpected delay? I do....

 

[Rayesfeg]

Well done on making it back to Honiara. I know you still have a little way to go before you are home, but this must be a huge relief.
While this was undoubtedly a very, very negative experience, unfortunately these sorts of situations can occasionally happen when travelling, especially when visiting more remote destinations. From your story (and the fact you went to Rennell island - a place many of us had probably never heard of), it sounds like you and your husband are the kind of travellers who enjoy getting off the beaten path and seek out unique experiences.
As difficult as this experience has been, I hope it doesn't discourage you from future adventures you might otherwise have considered. Travel is a privilege and has so much to offer, and I hope that this one unfortunate experience doesn't put you and your husband off all the wonderful journeys that may still lie ahead.
Wishing you a smooth trip home. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Seat0B]

You all followed me home!

We did and what a relief for you both!

 

[Tiki]

I’m back in my comfort zone, credit cards, wifi , 24/7 electric power, hot shower and birding hotspots within an hour drive.

Looking forward to a good lunch, I never want to see 2 minute noodles again!

 

[Flyfrequently]

We have all been invested in your safe return to civilisation @Tiki and hope the next 48 hours erases some of the stresses you and your husband encountered.
Safe travels home

 

[Tiki]

Even at our age (north of 65) we seem to bounce back. It was the uncertainty of the flight doing my head in. My husband is a Cook Islander / Aussie citizen so he actually fit right in, he grew up like that.

Birding adventures still await, road trip to Kangaroo Island, Tassie, Gluepot, Great Ocean Road, NSW, Lake Cargelligo in October. And NZ South Island early next year. Relatively tame compared to last week!