Png

[Libby Jack]

From September - December last year my two sons (12 and 13), and I travelled extensivley throughout Papua New Guinea. We spent a week in POM staying at the Lutheran Guest House at Ampo, a week on the Kokoda Track, then to Rusty's Guest House, Popondetta, Oro Bay, Bau Village and the Tulip Women, Lae, Salamaua, Goroka, and Madang. Only the death of my father brought us back before our planned departure. There are many people that made our trip the most adventurous and enjoyable time. The people of New Guinea were hospitable, kind and generous. We caught PMVs everywhere throughout Moresby and Lae and even took them on the long trips from Lae to Goroka and from Goroka to Madang. At no time did we feel threatened or uneasy and the people were overjoyed and a little amazed that we were on them. My heartfelt thanks to Sasa Zibe and his family who took us into his care and watched out for us the whole time we were there. PNG you are lucky to have such a man in parliament! Pol Tokoi and his family too, from the Butterfly Lodge in Popondetta kept us safe and gave up his time and vehicle to help us out of a sticky situation. Ross Eroro from Rusty's Guest House made us feel more than welcome and the tulip women on Bau were incredible. I was so ill with tropical ulcers and they looked after me and plastered me with their local remedies. My wonderful New Guinean brother Tongy Apuahe in Lae looked after us and it was as though 30 years had never happened. We stayed at the Lutheran Guest Houses in POM, Lae and Goroka and the CWA hostel in Madang. If you want to meet people, this is the way to do it. They are safe, clean, the food is great and you get to practise your pigin and your German. If anyone is thinking of a trip to PNG, take it. It is an experience that you won't regret or forget. Libby