A Weekend in Moresby

Well it was more than a weekend, and less than a week. But it was in Moresby and that's what matters.



Cam and I recently attended a volunteers conference at the lovely Loloata Dive Resort on an island out of Port Moresby. How did Cam manage to score a conference at a dive resort you ask? Well, pure luck. And there was no time for diving, so it wasn't THAT lucky. Still it is a beautiful place and quite relaxing - no tense feelings one usually associates with Port Moresby. That is why I suspect they had it there.



We were there for 3 days in which we learnt, listened, discussed, networked and bonded with our fellow volunteers and VSP's (Volunteer Service Providers, it's all about getting up with the development and aid lingo). We were also inspired with talks from Dame Carol Kidu and one of the founders from I Gat Hope, a group which supports and fights for the rights of those who are HIV positive (and do much more than that, but I can't remember all the details sorry!).

Some of the other highlights included the view from our balcony...




(it's a hard life as a volunteer, we have to get some perks), catching up with our friends, the delicious food and of course the duty free alcohol that a certain inbound person had so generously donated. For both of us it was a really affirming and pleasent experience to catch up with the other volunteers. All have had similar trials and tribulations and we guess that it just goes to show that you need more than just good looks to make development aid stick. Nevertheless have you ever, ever seen such a freshfaced, windswept good-looking group of people in your life? We didn't think so. Cam says this is one of his favorite photos from the trip.



To round up the week there was a Friday night Sing Sing, performed by the members of a local Motu village from just across the water from the Island. The performance was great with ages ranging from very little to normal adult; needless to say this made for some cute watching (it was in fact very difficult not to laugh when the littlest pikinnini danced straight into one of the kundu drums...sooo cute). There is nothing quite like the singing and dancing of traditional PNG culture (of which there are many), I hope the people don't lose their traditional knowledge and pride - it is just so amazing.





So after the conference part of our trip finished we spent two days exploring Port Moresby proper. We were lucky enough to be in town on the last Saturday of the month which means that we were there for the Ela Beach Craft Market. Wow. So much craft. Everything from bilums, to baskets, to penis gourds (quite funny to see a tourist ask quite loudly what they are and then see them squirm as the explanation comes), to local art. We acquired some bilums (I love mine!), and Cam was excited by the real life Indian food that was being sold there (there aren't really any takeaway food outlets in little Alotau). Cam also bought me a little carved pig which I have now named "Gutpela Pig" (literal translation would be Goodfellow Pig, or just Good Pig). I definitely think we will have to arrange to go back to the craft market before we go back home.

We also spent some time at the local supermarkets - so much food. More than 3 types of cheese, so much chocolate, so much meat...quite an experience. We tried to stop drooling for long enough to stock up on supplies to take back with us to Alotau.

The nights were also full. We were invited to an engagement party for one of the other volunteers on one night (the house where it was held was amazing; there was a magnificent view, carved pigs everywhere and awesome hand painted bathrooms), and we had a bbq on the other night. The Moresby volunteers looked after us very well, thanks guys! Here's some special photos of all the ladieees (and one for the ladies).





So anyway, we're both back home now. Cam stayed on for a few extra days to try and sort out details for his position, but more on that soon. Port Moresby was fun, but I think we are both happy to be living in quiet little old Alotau.