First day of spring! Kiriwina Island is a true PNG island. The locals have lived like they do for ever. To us it is very rustic with the bare minimum I guess but it sure looks like a relaxed and healthy way to live. The majority of their food is either grown by them or caught with very few things delivered from the larger mainland.
 |
| Welcome to Kiriwina Island |
 |
| Locals selling their wares |
The locals were all out to meet and greet us and had been working hard at making things for us to buy. A lot of carved items from rings and necklaces to bowls and spears. Unfortunately I forgot to bring any money with me, I get so use to using my cruise card I forget about 'real' money. If I ever went back or new people that were heading there I would definitely say to exchange money for PNG money - so much easier for the locals. It is so hard for them to change Australian dollars into their money and coins are just like a rock really, worthless. SO if you go please take PNG money. I think it's Kina??
 |
| School concert |
The local school, not sure if that is the only school on the island, put on a beautiful concert for us. They looked so proud showing us their talents.
Something we were told in one of the talks we went to was to NOT give the kids (or adults) lollies. They do not have access to dentists so cannot cope with so much sugar. If you do want to bring things for them school books, pencils etc would be much more appreciated.
 |
| Mum and I found a nice shady spot to sit in |
Dad didn't hang around long and caught the tender back to the ship. Mum and I found a spot in the shade, the sun was hot, and made for the water. The water was quite shallow as the tide was out but it was lovely. There were heaps of kiddies with their handmade boats floating about ready to take is for a sail. The reef wasn't too far out but, so I heard, was quite tricky to get to as the water was so shallow you had to walk of the rocks and coral to get out there. Apparently it was gorgeous once you were out there though. We didn't have any snorkelling gear with us but, again, if we ever came back we would make sure we brought some with us. The water was so clean and clear - beautiful.
 |
| Beautiful water |
After a few hours of lazing and swimming and watching other passengers try beetle nut. The locals and all across PNG chew on this daily - it's a bit of a 'drug' and has a calming, happy inducing quality about it. It also makes your teeth a lovely shade of orange. By the comments I heard it isn't the nicest tasting thing ever.
We made our way back to the Jewel on the tender and whiled away the rest of the day on a deck chair. This is the life.
 |
| On the tender heading back to the Jewel |
 |
| All aboard |
Next and final stop Conflict Islands.
No comments:
Post a Comment