Back in Port Moresby

Having a "planes trains and automobiles day" trying to get our entire group back to Port Moresby from the interior of New Guinea. The local airline, Air Niugini, isn't very reliable to say the least. Ah well, gives me time to catch up here.

The photo above is of a Huli Wigman. A group of them yesterday showed us how they make ceremonial wigs from their own hair, which they grow out and harvest over several years. (The triangular "hat" he's wearing is in fact a wig made from his own hair!) The wigs are a central part of their ceremonial dances before going to war with the neighboring clan (which they still do today). If I can figure out how, I will upload some video of their dance.

 

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Ambua Lodge in the Southern Highlands

We are staying two days high up in the mountainous interior of Papua New Guinea. Our lodge consists of a set of huts on a hillside that affords spectacular views of a beautiful countryside.

 

We are in the village of the Huli people, an indigenous people to New Guinea who were only "discovered" by the world about 80 years ago. We met with an extended family and learned how they live, hunt, make clothing and occasionally make war on neighboring clans. Amazing experience.

The women weave beautiful sacks that they use to carry everything from the baby to the day's food. Debb bought one and was shown how to tie it so that it hangs from the top of her head.

 

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From Tahiti to Papua New Guinea

It figures that this morning, as we prepare to leave Tahiti, the sun comes out and the day looks to be spectacular! Above is a view from our resort, looking out over their pool and ocean-front bungalows to the ocean beyond. Spectacular.

Our jet apparently has a range less than the ten-hour flight to PNG, so we stop in Samoa to refuel. Matt tells me that it doesn't count as being in a country if you don't leave the jet. But I walked out on the jet stairs and had this picture made with Samoa in the background. Matt, does this count?

We land in Port Moresby, PNG, about six hours later, and transfer to our hotel. I snapped this photo on the drive. It is hot and dusty, and there are lots of people walking along the road (very few sidewalks). Crime is a problem here, and our very nice hotel is guarded by men with high-powered rifles!

We are off to the Southern Highlands of PNG tomorrow for two days. This is a very rural area and we won't have access to the Internet so we'll be posting next from Brunei. We hope to share some great photos of the Highlands then! Stay tuned.

 

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Debb and the Polynesian Dancers

Debb sure did enjoy the performance by a troupe of Polynesian dancers before dinner tonight! I think she'll dream sweet dreams of tattoos tonight, by the look on her face.

 

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Tahiti

Our plan was to spend the day snorkeling on Moorea, maybe with this gal. Alas, it is raining with high winds, so the boat trip to Moorea had to be canceled <sigh>. Instead, we toured a Tahitian museum in Papeete and visited a traditional marketplace, each of which were interesting and fun, nonetheless. Back at our resort relaxing at the bar with a beautiful view of the Pacific, which will have to do.

 

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On our way!

Friday morning. Our coach takes us from the Four Seasons in Palo Alto down to San Jose airport. The coach bypasses the terminals and goes through a gate directly onto the tarmac to our plane, run by Thomson Airways.

Debb enjoys champagne and caviar! The plane is very comfy, which is good because we have 12 hours of flying ahead of us. We fly to Honolulu where we stop for gas, then continue across the equator to Tahiti. We arrive tonight a bit after 9pm (1am Central time) and are ready for bed! It's very warm and rainy and muggy. Happy to be here though!

 

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The Journey Begins . . .

I think it may have been warmer at home than it is here! Sadly, it's cold and raining in California. This is mostly a test run for me to figure out how to get pictures off my camera and onto the blog (worked like a charm :).

Check back in a day or two - I promise to be more entertaining!

 

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