Where’s home?

Often a question usually someone asks in the introduction process is “Where’s home?” where one can virtuously react with an answer “are you proud to tell the person?” of cause, if you’d ask me I would tell you “I am from Popondetta”. Its capital is Oro (Northern) Province in Papua New Guinea. The province covers 22,800 km², and has 133,065 inhabitants (2000 census) which certainly has increased in the last 11 years. The province has number of historical significances such the eruption of Mount Lamington in 1951 that killed over 3000 people, it was also the scene of heavy fighting zone from the coast the Buna, Gona and Sanananda, campaign and to the northern end of kokoda trail ceases at the end of kokoda village in the province which is particularly well remembered. Over the recent years an influx of adventurers both old and young have travelled and are traveling to retrace this inestimable historical trail. While this remarkable province has huge prospective in tourism investment, its basic services such as infrastructure developments, education and health services continue to deteriorate. People continue to wait but patience is apparently running out!

Each ride I get over the famous Girua bridge to reach Popondetta town or to girua airport to catch a flight back to Port Moresby or even the bumpy PMV ride from Popondetta town to Kikiri to board a speedboat (Dinghy) to my village, reminds of the lack of government services that has depreciated over the years. People are anxious but there is hope!

Humble unknown destination -Paine Family's Pride

This humble unknown destination rarely known to international tourists is untouched and tucked away in the hinterland of Caution bay in the north coast area of Oro Province. With more attention drawn to popular destinations in Papua New Guinea where fly in fly out option is preferably considered by our international visitors’ more and more natural and spectacular scenarios nor rich cultural experiences are yet to be experienced by many. The visit to Deu waterfalls and enjoying the serenity is the pride of Paine family. Family members visiting from the city’s bustling lifestyle find Deu waterfalls and Deu river a perfect place to unwind.

Celebrating PNG National Day -The KORO Way

From the North and South American continent, we cross the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. Flying over the Mediterranean Sea where we land in the African continent; sailing across the Indian Ocean we reach India the gate way to Asian continent. We then sail across the Indian Ocean where we harbor in an Australian port. Flying over the Tasman Sea, we reach New Zealand-the land of the white long clouds. From the land of the white long clouds we cross to Fiji, from Fiji, we fly to Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea’s nearest Melanesian neighboring country. On Papua New Guinea land –the land of the unexpected we meet the faces of children from the Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern region.

“Though different in languages, values and status, there is one thing that unites us in one at Korobosea International School (KIS) The need to be educated and to be the best for our families, communities and our countries.

We are Young, Independent and free in a democratic, changing and diverse cultural society where we are challenged to know who we are, what our roles are in this diverse and changing society.

We hope that this celebration is not just about the colorful faces and traditional bilus we see, we want to take pride in who we are , where come from and maintain our roots in the many years to come.”

These words were the introduction to KIS Celebration of Papua New Guineas 35^th Anniversary on Wednesday 15^th September read by one of the hosts a Grade 6 pupil. Vivid and sensational with their noticeable and disguised costumes students sat obediently in their regional groups; alongside them sat their loyal teachers and Teacher Aides. International region includes our international students from Republic of Philippines, Republic of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, US, Great Britain, Belgium, Australia, Uganda, Nigeria, New Zealand, Fiji and Solomon Islands; Momase Region ( Morobe , Madang, East and West Sepik Provinces); New Guinea Highlands region ( East New Britain, West New Britain, New Ireland, Manus and Bougainville ); Highlands region ( Western Highlands, Easten Highlands, Simbu, Jiwaka, Enga and Southern Highlands); and Southern Region ( Milnebay, Central , Gulf, Western and Oro)

Parents, friends, bubus (grandparents) and wantoks found an excuse get away from their busy schedules to be part of KIS Way of celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 35^th Anniversary.

Letting the fever of celebration begin, our international groups gracefully and skillfully presented numerous dances from the Republic of Indonesia from the province of Indang (from West Sumatra), republic of Philippines and Uganda. The reception was very well received by the animated audience.

10.00am and it was the 20 minutes break as scheduled in the program; without further delay students were meticulously dismissed to prepare for the next segment.

10:25a.m Music was played on the sound system as the voice of late John Wong was heard as he sang the song “In our Land” with an unknown female vocal.

In our land

In our land of a thousand tongues

Brothers and sisters old and young

Unite our spirits, so we speak as one

We have to learn to live together, side by side

We have to learn to give each other dignity and pride

The strength to be one people

One Nation One Country……..

Chord modulation

The time has come to stand together side by side

The time has come to pray together and God will be our guide,

Unite to be one people

One nation ….. One country……..

PNG

The sounds of music in the air meant it was the end of recess break. Students, teachers, audience and distinguished guests were reminded of what was about to begin.

10:35a.m The host read; Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls let us continue to celebrate with the sounds of rhythmic drums and voices of diverse languages……………………..without further delay the rhythmic drum beats from the Manus Province was heard; it was the opening dance to launch the traditional and contemporary dances in all regions of PNG that were queued to be showcased by the students of KIS. This was a culmination of 4 weeks and 2 days preparation done by both teachers, Teacher Aides and Students.

Flashes of digital cameras from unsuspicious fans angled at all corners to capture the finest moments continued. Faces were lit with smiles and laughter as fans continued to capture the moments.

Featuring dances from the New Guinea Islands, Highlands, Southern and Momase region students and teachers sang, chanted and danced charmingly. Their disguised costumes heaved their appetite; and there was nothing that was going to obstruct them. Is it pride I thought to myself as I stood and watched with awe from the hosts’ stand? I wondered about the future. The future of these children and the future of this country.

I recall the speech presented by the school principal earlier in the program; he said “The gift one can give to PNG’s birthday is your-self”. How one can perfectly wrap and present a gift is a challenge. Are these children prepared to wrap their gifts, my mind ponders.....

1:00p.m: It was a sigh of relieve after long weeks of preparation and I know one of my assignments for 2010 has successfully been accomplished. Perhaps the last one with KIS?

Flying Over Owen Standly Range

I have flown over Owen Stanley Range in number of occasions; in most cases I enjoy the scenic views of encrusted greenish carpeted rainforest floors that unremittingly cover the long stretched central mountain chain in Papua New Guinea. There are times when the visibility is so perfect that you can see uneven mountain ranges stretching across the horizon; it could be Mount Victoria the highest range at 4, 072 metres but with my lack of geographical direction I am unable to tell. Occasionally, I have felt a gush of air up my chest, anxiousness feeling almost invading my soul, trying to keep calm; and trusting the pilots for my safe flight. My recent flight from Popondetta to Port Moresby is an example of this experience.

The seat belt sign is immediately switched on and you certainly know instability in the atmosphere that disrupts the flow of the wind, causing gusty, unpredictable air currents is causing this panic. Glad it’s not only me J It’s what’s called the “Clear Air Turbulence” or sometimes referred to as Air Pockets.

What usually happens is when bodies of moving air at widely different speeds meet; at high altitudes of around 7,000–12,000 metres (23,000–39,000 ft) this is frequently encountered around jet streams or sometimes near mountain ranges. What research also say is Clear-air turbulence is impossible to detect with the naked eye and can be very difficult to detect with conventional radar[2], meaning that it is difficult to avoid. However, it can be remotely detected with instruments that can measure turbulence with optical techniques, such as scintillometers or Doppler LIDARs.

Until now till my next flight, I will continue to trust the pilots for my safe flights J

Tufi Experience

Tufi is located in Oro Province of Papua New Guinea and only 129 kilometres (80 miles) east of Kokoda. It is on the NE side of the mainland of PNG approximately 250km ENE of the capital –Port Moresby. Famous for its unique set up it is one of the best diving spots in PNG and perhaps the world. From large coral outcrops and shelves to sandy cays, deep fjords and the surrounding rainforests, Tufi undoubtably is the adventurer’s heaven. Nature, cultural and fishing experiences can be on your list of activities to do.

My 4 days trip on my first dive trip was certainly one of the best experiences. If I have to travel again it certainly will be on my list of places to travel again.

To get to Tufi it is only accessible by air and the flight time is about 50-55 minutes. 3 minutes walk is only all you need to get to the resort after landing.

Canoe festival

Canoe festival is one of the annual events in Alotau that attracts local and international tourists who flock into one of Papua New Guinea's Province to witness the spectacular racing of traditional war and long voyage hull canoes navigate the waters between Alotau, Samarai and Logea Islands. There is often lots of fun and excitement on land as well, featuring traditional dances and arts and crafts on display. My recent and first trip was last year on a school trip where I led a group of 11-12 year olds.

Early November is a perfect timing to attend, so if you are a keen traveller why not pencil this down in your calendar of events :)