Local Transport Port Moresby credit Damian Baker
By the NewsHooker
Well a couple of days rest and research have been interesting in Port Moresby.
I moved guesthouses and was looked after amazingly well by the Mapang Mission society.
We might not have too much to thank the Christians for in PNG ( or the world for that matter) but their often anal-retentive ways, lead to cleanliness and order among the natives and are a nice by product sometimes.
It is a grog free prayer strong but very nice environment where well meaning young American/Aus/Swiss/NZ missionaries group up, console one and other and re enter the jungle (their words not mine).
Sing songs strong on “Ohhhhhh”,“Lords” and “praises” all with armpits exposed to the minions below are the morning fare.
My PNG roommate Simon a mercenary/missionary (in a nice way) who was booked in by his wife still manages to pass security every morning with a skinful and a smile on his face to apologise profusely and stagger in to bed for his own form of early morning Praise.
I love the way the locals seem to take just what they need from the white fella ignore the rest and roll on happily.
Port Moresby is strong on security Guards and gatemen everywhere, The smallest sign of trouble and a PNG Policeman with a machine gun will arrive, the protagonist/s are thrown in a van and the trouble is over. No street negotiation here; its likely to turn in to a party as everyone like to have a say.
This all happened so quickly in front of me I did not have time to get my camera gear out. Bit of “rum pha pha;” police van arrives, men bundled and fun over.
The local council employs City Rangers to deal with Rum Pha Pha these guys are paid (not certain who by or how much) to keep the street sellers and dweller in line. They carry mostly stick but often clubs and bow and arrows wear fluoro safety vests and generally seem to have a good time on the job.
After dark is said to be a no go zone and often locals latch on to you as a helper or friend in dangerous areas. I think this is often out of genuine concern but they also just like to hang out. With a bit of common sense and care a white fella with a camera can become part of the local street entertainment during the day or night.
Transport is great Taxis with bashed in windscreens, buses with wheel nuts missing and trucks full of locals are the go.
Its wild it fun and its not overly expensive. I have taken to using the trucks as cheap dolly systems with the video camera and seem to be getting some good result.
Life here is good here; with red betel nut smiles and manic laughter and hilarity everywhere you go I’m not sure if they are laughing with me or at me but its bloody good they are just laughing.
Heading for the highland today. I’ve been told it’s mighty dangerous up there too. Thinking this may be a white Christian neat and tidy sort of judgment. I can also see there might be other perspective. I’ve made some good contacts and done some research for the next leg of the trip. With gold at $1000 an ounce it can make men do crazzzieee things.
Maybe the highlands will live up to its name. I think the story might get interesting from here.
Love Hooker.
OXOXO
