People of Milne Bay Province

People are simply amazing. The purpose of my trip was to get to know the culture and nature of the local people. I have had no expectations. At the end of the day my experience would most likely be different if I have travelled big towns only (PM, Lae etc.) but I have spent all my time in villages of Fergusson Island, Normanby Island and Trobriand Islands - the largest town I have visited was Alotau in the Milne Bay Province. Majority of people are Christians and go to church on regular basis. European missionaries have done fairly good job to convert island people into god believers. It is more a mixture of Christianity and hundreds, thousands of years of traditional beliefs.

People are kind, respectful and always with smile on their face. Considering Australia has been colonizing PNG for over a half a century I was expecting some sort of distance from the white people but I have experienced the opposite. On isolated islands (most of them are) you will be rare sight to the locals and kids will get close to you to touch you and then run away from you. Kind of hard to believe that they don't get in contact with the outside world very much. TV is non existent on Pacific Islands of PNG and the only kind of communication is recently becoming mobile phone. This usually comes with 3G reception. As public phone is a rarity and internet access only in a large hotels, I would recommend to get yourself a mobile phone. You will have a constant access to internet and booking of accommodation and tours will get easier as well.

After a few nights staying at someone's place you will essentially become part of their family. Brother, son etc. People will invite you for a dinner, a walk, fishing trip etc. It is good to bring some presents (rice, sugar etc.) if you intent to stay at someone's place as an appreciation.

Francis and his betelnut

 

 

East Cape pastor, Christmas Day 2014

 

 

Making of broom out of coconut tree leaves

 

People carry most items on top of their head