Almost Like Being a Socialite

There’s been lots going on in the small town of Alotau, and so something needs to be written about it (while Cam gets his thoughts together on part two of his work trip)! Us volunteers have almost been living the life of socialites, going to 2 social functions in one week!





Last Wednesday there was an unofficial opening to the Milne Bay Canoe Festival (soon to be written about) held at Jane’s workplace. We were hob-nobbing with (or serving drinks to) the main business owners in town, and there were Trobriand dancers performing for the occasion as well. Since there was dancing, Jane couldn’t help herself, and cheered on by the Trobriand girls she works with she tried her hands, feet and hips at the traditional dances. Thankfully her skirt wasn’t quite as short as the traditional Trobriand grass skirts.







We all had a great night (thanks Vero for the great food)!

The second event of the week was the Madhatters party at the Cameron Club. This was raising funds for the transport of books in the Milne Bay Province, so we could honestly say that we were helping by being there : ) As the name suggests, we had to wear hats to the party, and so the house got creative. Scott with his beer train-drivers hat,



Rebecca with her traditional cassowary feather head piece, Cam with his toilet bowl (inspired by the saying “Go shit in your hat”),






Evonne with her flower and bee hat, and Jane…well, she didn’t have a hat, but tried her hand at being a blonde for the night (thanks Stan for the wig!).



Another good night where we had a dance, met some interesting people, and had a general good time – and all for a good cause!