How did Solomon Islands get its name?

It was 1568 when the Spanish Navigator, Alvaro de Mendana, discovered the islands.  He named the archipelago, “Islas Salomon,” believing this was the area of the South Pacific where King Solomon got the gold  he used to build the Temple of Jerusalem.  The name was changed upon their independence to “Solomon Islands,” removing “The” from the official name.

How did Tuvalu get its name?

Tuvalu used to be called, “The Ellice Islands” or “Lagoon Islands.”  Tuvalu is an old name meaning “Eight Standing Together.”  Although Tuvalu has a total of nine islands; three reef islands and six true atolls, only eight were inhabited, as one has very little land that is above sea level.   The name reverted back to Tuvalu when it gained its independence.

Where are Solomon Islands located?

Solomon Islands consists of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands, located in Oceania.  They lay east of Papua, New Guinea, northeast of Australia and northwest of Vanuatu.  The islands cover a land area of about 11,000 square miles.  The country’s capital is Honiara, located on the Island of Guadalcanal.

Where is Tuvalu located?

Tuvalu is also located in Oceania, in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean.  It lies about 2500 miles northeast of Australia and is approximately half way between Hawaii and Australia.  It lies east-northeast of the Santa Cruz Islands, which belong to Solomon Islands.  Also, it is southeast of Nauru, south of Kiribati, northwest of Samoa and north of Fiji.  It is a tiny, country, covering only ten square miles of land. However, they are spread out over a large, economic zone of 289,500 square miles.  The highest elevation is only 15 feet above sea level.  Global warming and rising sea levels are major concerns for this country.

A brief history of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands are believed to have been settled by Austronesian people, sometime around 2000 BC.  For centuries, many self-governing villages speaking separate languages lived on the six, big, volcanic islands and scores of atolls in the Melanesian archipelago.  They lived largely unbothered by foreigners until the 1800s, when traders and missionaries from Europe, America and Australasia arrived to barter food, labor and goods. 

In 1886, a German protectorate was established over the northern islands.  In 1893, the southern islands became a British protectorate until 1899, when all of it was transferred to British control.  The British interest was in the supply of workers to fuel the sugar estates in Queensland and Fiji, much more than it was for the protection of the islands.  Disease and tribal wars followed and many areas known as “waste lands” were leased to foreign companies to produce rubber, copra (the dried kernel of the coconut) and vegetable oil.

Solomon Islands had only their land and labor to sell.  For years, young, fit men were taken forcefully by “Blackbirders” (Slave Traders)  to Fiji and Queensland.  They were often brutally treated but by the 1920s conditions somewhat improved.  Living together on plantations gave men the chance to learn a common language known as “Pijin English.”  By the mid-twentieth century, many Chinese had come to settle, displacing European traders and plantation owners.

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Solomon Islands.  The counter attack was led by the US Marines who landed on Guadalcanal and Tualgi in August of 1942.  Some of the most brutal fighting of World War II took place on the Islands for nearly three years.

Solomon Islands eventually gained independence on July 7, 1978.  Like many newly, independent nations, there has been ongoing ethnic violence.  In July of 2003, the Governor General issued an official request for international help.  Australia committed the largest number of troops to restore order and police the islands.   Although things have gotten better on the islands, ethnic tensions remain.  The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. 

A brief history of Tuvalu

It is believed the earliest settlers on the islands were Samoans, Tongans and settlers from other Polynesian islands sometime around the 14^th century AD.  A couple of the islands were then discovered by the Spanish, in two separate expeditions, in 1568 and 1595.  

In 1819, a ship owned by Edward Ellice of Britain visited Funafuta and named the islands “Ellice islands.”  From 1850-1875 there was a dark period where “Blackbirding” took place; the kidnapping of islanders for forced labor on plantations in Fiji and Queensland.  Between this and European diseases brought there, the population diminished from about 20,000 down to 3,000. 

 In 1877 the Ellice Islands become a British protectorate.  In 1916 the Gilbert islands joined the colony, until 1974 when 90% of the Polynesians voted for separation.  In 1975 the islands were renamed “Tuvalu” and full Independence was given on October 1, 1978.  In 1989 the UN  listed Tuvalu as one of a number of island groups most likely to disappear beneath the sea in the 21^st century, due to global warming.  It remains the country’s number one concern. 

Due to salinization of the soil, subsistence farming became extremely difficult.  Thankfully, the country got lucky on two fronts;  in 1998, it began leasing its 900 number to a foreign company, and then it established its TV revenue.  The TV agreement with a US company generated enough funds for Tuvalu to apply to join the United Nations in 2000.  The lease expires in 2020 but will have proven to be highly lucrative.  They also make money with their postage stamps and coinage, both of which are sought by collectors.

Solomon Islands Culture

The population of the Solomon Islands is about 690,000.  The majority of the people are ethnically Melanesian, but there is a small percentage of Micronesian and Polynesian, as well as ethnic Chinese.  The official language is English, but there are 63 other distinct languages.  Most people speak pidgin known as “Solomon’s Pijin.” 

Most islanders live in close knit communities of extended families, and while largely Christian, many still follow traditional systems of beliefs.  Land ownership, they call Kastom, refers to their traditional Melanesian roots.  Although nearly 70,000 people live in the capital city of  Honiara, the majority still live in rural villages, based on a subsistence economy of fishing, hunting and growing crops.  People still barter and use shells for money, although they do have their own currency.  Most houses are built on stilts to keep their homes cooler and most don’t have electricity, telephones or other modern amenities. 

Music and art play an important role.  Traditional music uses instruments such as the slit drums, panpipes and the conch shell.  Solomon Islanders are also known for their handicrafts, like intricately carved, dark ebony hardwood with inlaid mother of pearl.  Basket weaving and wicker weaving are also traditional art forms. 

On the islands about ten percent of the indigenous dark skinned people have strikingly, blonde hair.  Some islanders theorize that it was due to a diet rich in fish or excess sun exposure or from distant European ancestors.  It turns out, a geneticist discovered a gene variant responsible for blond hair on the islanders, that is distinctly different from the gene that causes blond hair in Europeans.

Tuvalu Culture

The population of Tuvalu is only 11,000 today.  The tiny islands’ nation is the second least populated and fourth smallest, landmass of any country.  It is listed as the least visited country in the world.  It has strong Polynesian culture with a laid back and friendly attitude.  Pacific island traditions are commonplace in Tuvaluan culture.  This is most evident in their dance.  Fatele is the traditional dance that is performed to celebrate leaders and was performed when Prince William and his wife officially visited the islands in 2012. 

Each family has skill sets known as salanga, which are performed within the community. The typical trades are fishermen, house builders, and boat builders and these trades are passed on from parents to their children.  They have community halls known as falekapule  where villagers gather for general meetings and celebrations.  The Tuvaluan community is extremely close knit.  Nearly the entire population is Christian which was the religion brought to Tuvalu with the earliest European settlers.  The official language is Tuvalu which is similar to Polynesian.  English is also spoken and taught in schools.

Solomon Islands and Tuvalu Cuisine

Solomon Islands have more land mass to grow food and therefore have a bit more variety in their cuisine than Tuvalu.  Both countries rely on imports from neighboring countries.  The main staple of Solomon Islands is fish, which is cooked in all sorts of ways from grilling, to boiling, to frying.  The fish is served with an assortment of side dishes which include coconut, sweet potatoes, rice, taro roots, taro leaves, cassava, bananas and their very famous breadfruit called ulu.  Poi, is made with fermented taro root and is considered the national dish of Solomon Islands.

In Tuvalu, they also have an abundance of seafood choices and therefore fish, crabs and even sea birds are the typical protein.  Coconut, in one form or another, is used in nearly every dish.  They have a different sort of taro that grows which is called “swamp taro” and the root and leaves are used to make side dishes along with bananas and breadfruit.

So let’s enjoy a meal from the Islands:

Menu

Appetizer

Taro Root Chips

Main Dish

Tuna Coconut Curry

Served with:

Palusami  (Corned Beef with Taro Leaves and Coconut)

Dessert

Coconut Pudding

We set the scene by displaying staple ingredients from both islands, on top of a tapa cloth. We added palm fronds and shells for a little island flair.

For the first course, we nibbled on some fried taro root chips that were simply lightly salted.  Taro root is a resistant starch and is considered to be good for the gut. 

For the main course, we had a tuna coconut curry, that was served with rice.  It was fantastic.  We absolutely loved the flavors; with spice from the curry powder and hot chilies.  Of course, you must use very fresh tuna, like you would get on the Islands.  If you wanted to be adventurous, you could make your own coconut milk as they would there. However, the recipe can easily be made with canned coconut milk.

The tuna was served alongside a favorite dish; popular in both countries, called palusami.  It is a surprisingly easy to make dish.  Although some people may shy away from canned, corned beef, (aka spam) one can imagine how much the taste of meat, an occasional break from fish, is a welcomed flavor on these remote islands.  It would typically be made with taro leaves, which you likely can find in a good Asian store, otherwise you can substitute spinach, which is also very tasty.

For dessert, we enjoyed a simple coconut pudding that reminded us a bit more of jello than a pudding.  The pieces were served in a coconut shell.  It was a sweet treat to end our Island meal. 

To be honest, finding recipes for these incredibly, remote Oceania islands was challenging, to say the least.  I am certain my recipes from Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Samoa would all be applicable to these island nations as well.  We loved our last experience on Christmas Island in Kiribati.  Perhaps a fishing trip to these remote islands is in order as well.  One thing is for certain, the ocean is a truly spectacular paradise for divers, snorkelers and fishermen.

As we say goodbye to these islands, I leave with a hope of peace for Solomon Islands and a prayer for Tuvalu, that it remains above sea level. 

Until next time,

Tofa   (Goodbye in Tuvalu)

Lukim iu. (Goodbye in Pijin)

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

How did Slovenia get its name?

The word Slovenin is a derivation from “slovo” meaning “word,” denoting people who speak the same language.  Slovenia is officially known as the Republic of Slovenia but is called Slovenija by its people.  The name comes from the Slovenes; the group of South Slavs who originally settled the area.  It is also known as the “Land of Hayracks.”

Where is Slovenia located?

Slovenia is a small country, situated in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.  It is bordered by Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, Croatia to the southeast, and Italy and the Adriatic Sea to the west.  It is a mountainous and forested country and sits in the foothills of the eastern Alps; making it a skier’s destination.  It has a small coastline along the Adriatic Sea, between Italy and Croatia, which enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate.  It is also home to the Kras Plateau, which is a unique area of unusual geological formations; underground rivers, caves and gorges.  Its capital city and largest city, Ljubljana (pronounced lub-lee-yana,) is located in this area.  Ljubljana means “the loved one” and was voted the “Green capital of the world” in 2016. 

A Brief History of Slovenia

The Slovenes created their first state back in the 600s, which lasted until the eighth century when it was absorbed into the Frankish empire.  In the tenth century, Slovenia fell under the control of the Holy Roman Empire.  It then became part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire, from 1335 to 1918. 

At the end of World War I, Slovenia joined with other Slavic nations to form “the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.”  It was renamed in 1929, “the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.”  Slovenia and its neighboring states fell under Nazi Germany’s control in World War II.  Under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, they fiercely resisted the German, Italian and Hungarian occupation, which led to a socialist Yugoslavia at the end of the war.  During the post-war communist period, Slovenia was the most prosperous region of Yugoslavia.

After Tito’s death in 1980, serious disagreements between the states began to grow.  On June 25, 1991 the Republic of Slovenia declared Independence after a relatively bloodless ten day war.  Since Independence, Slovenia has worked hard for economic stabilization and government reorganization.  Today, Slovenia is a member of the EU and the UN and NATO and is a thriving nation with a renewed focus on tourism.

Slovenian Culture

Slovenia is home to about two million people; half live in urban areas and the other half living rural.  About 50% of the population is Roman Catholic.  The large majority of the population is Slovene, with a few, Croatians, Hungarians, Albanians, Serbs and Italians in the mix.  The official language is Slovene, or Slovenian, and belongs to the Slavic languages.  Despite its small size, there are over 32 different dialects spoken in the country.  Many Slovenians are multi-lingual, and they have a 99.7% literacy rate.

Slovenia has a very strong cultural heritage and is proud of hosting over 100 festivals each year, to include music, dance, film and food traditions.  Many Slovenians are beekeepers, some 90,000 of them.  That is, nearly one in nine souls take care of the calm, Carniolan, honey bees, that are native there.  Many Slovenians also grow grapes for wine. There are over 28,000 vineyards in Slovenia, making it a wine haven.  This includes the oldest grapevine in the world, that grows in the Maribor area and is estimated to be 400 years old.

Speaking of old, Slovenia is home to some of the oldest artifacts in the world.  The oldest flute, made from a bear femur, is estimated to be 60,000 years old, a needle was discovered believed to be 30,000 years old, along with a 5200-year-old wooden wheel. 

Slovenia has much to offer especially for those who love nature and the outdoors.  Its highest peak is Mount Triglav and is featured on their flag.  The picturesque lake, in the Julian Alps, called Lake Bled, is a very popular tourist destination, with an island in the middle of the lake and an old church, very popular for weddings.  The church dates back to the 17^th century but houses Gothic frescoes go back to 1470.  Slovenia is home to many castles and also is home to important Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture.

Whether it is skiing in the Alps, exploring massive caves, kayaking along one of their beautiful rivers, or visiting the Venetian Gothic Mediterranean town of Piran along the Adriatic coast, it won’t take long for Slovenia to be the next major tourist destination in Europe.

Slovenian Cuisine

Slovenia, with its small size and many neighbors, has had many influences on its cuisine.  It is said to have 24 distinct culinary regions.  Generally speaking, Slovenian food is whole and hearty.  They do have many specialties, such as their famous karst prosciutto, cured with the cold winds of the region.  Buckwheat is made into several dishes and its white flowers are a favorite of the bees, who produce buckwheat honey.  Whole arrays of mushrooms are found throughout Slovenia and are favorites for foraging. 

The European walnut tree is native, but many were destroyed for their beautiful wood.  There has been a resurgence of the walnut tree and Slovenia is now home to some 100,000 of them; wonderful news for potica (a Slovenian nut pastry) nut lovers and bakers.  Dandelions, harvested in spring, are a nutritious green often used in salads.  Potatoes are ubiquitous and cooked in all varieties of ways.  Seafood is plentiful along the coast, however trout from the Soca river is the most beloved.  Carniolan sausage, made with pork, and beef is beloved. Soups are also extremely popular, one called Jota, is considered a peasant dish which is made with turnips, beans and onions and found throughout the nation.  Cheeses and dairy are also very popular. 

So let’s enjoy a Slovenian meal:

The Menu

Starter

Karst Prust (Karst Prosciutto)

Main Course

Stefani Pecenka (Meatloaf w/Hard-boiled Eggs)

Served with

Prazen Krompir (Roasted Potatoes)

Dessert

Potica (Nut-filled Pastry)

We set the scene with a honey jar, (featuring a bear with a honey statue.)  Slovenia is an important home to bears in its forested areas.  Walnuts and grapes were placed, along with a picture of their national tree, called the Linden tree, whose canopy has been a gathering place in Slovenian villages for centuries.  A picture of the famous Lipizzan horse was also added.  This is a breed that originated there.  Finally, we added a carnation; their national flower.

We began with a toast of a Slovenian white wine and said, “Na Zdravje” or “Cheers!”  We savored the appetizer course of prosciutto, sheep’s cheese and a bit of sweet melon. It was a lovely plate to begin a meal.

Our main course was called Sefani Pecenka; a simple meatloaf-style dish, spiced with vegeta, paprika, thyme and parsley, with a surprise of hard-boiled eggs in the middle.  The Stephanie roast was served alongside decadent roast potatoes, called prazen krompir.  These potatoes were topped with pork cracklings that had been cooked with pork fat and onions.  The combination of these two dishes was superb; hearty and comforting.

For dessert, we enjoyed one called potica.  Pope Francis made this dessert world famous when he mentioned it after he met Melania Trump  at the Vatican in May of 2017.  Melania Trump is the second-ever first lady to be born outside the USA.  She was born in Slovenia.  He said to her, “What do you give him to eat? Potica?” The sound-byte went viral and put potica on the world map.  It is not hard to see why.  It is a delicious, nut pastry that is frankly, unforgettable.  Although the walnut filling is typical, it is also made with other fillings, like raisins, tarragon, cheese, poppy seeds and chocolate.  There is another saying in Slovenia, “A potica a day keeps the sadness away.” Just another testament to its popularity.

As we say good bye to this lovely, little country, called Slovenia, I leave you with a few Slovenian proverbs:

Pray for a good harvest, but keep on hoeing!

Who is forced to go to church, will not pray.

and

Politeness costs nothing, but yields much.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene