What’s it been like? Well, it’s been exciting, terrifying, awesome, interesting, entertaining, humbling, exhausting, stressful, frustrating and amazing all at once.
There are things that I love, things that drive me nuts, and things that make me shake my head a laugh.
I also need to stop making naïve assumptions based on my Australian/First World experience. For example, I made a comment to an Aussie expat about how woeful PNG driving standards are and wondered out loud how some people were able to get their driver’s licence. He shook his head and laughed at my assumption that everyone would have a licence.
On the serious side, we’ve been advised that security incidents and robberies tend to increase here in the lead up to Christmas, so to be extra vigilant. The Port Moresby Nature Park that we visited a couple of weekends ago was held up with makeshift guns on Sunday afternoon, and two people were shot. There was also an armed robbery near the Australian High Commission compound in Town. Having said that, I am still yet to hear any gunshots myself. One of my other colleagues said she hears them from her compound almost every night. There have also been reports of a few riots and political uprisings around the provinces, namely Lae, Mt Hagen and Oro. However, there hasn’t appeared to be any of those in Port Moresby since we’ve been here (touch-wood).
To finish off, we had an awesome weekend last weekend. Saturday was a jam packed day. In the morning we set off to the Ela Beach Markets to check out what they had and to watch a ‘sing-sing’. Afterwards we went and did the grocery shopping then headed to the International Food Day at Bree’s school. Many families brought food from their homelands to share, and it was amazing. It was a great experience to be at an international school, eating homemade international cuisine, surrounded by people from all corners of the globe. After our busy Sat, Sunday was a nice leisurely day, just hanging out and swimming at the pool. Our whole weekend reminded me that these experiences are the reason I took the job and brought the family with me.
I was going to post some more pics, but I'll be here all day waiting for them to upload. I'll try again later.
Finally, is anyone reading this blog? If so, please leave a comment so I know who you are.
Till next time....
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| Gorgeous dancers from Bougainville |
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| My boys enjoying the international food |
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| International Food Day |
Great blog, I am moving to Moresby in a couple of weeks for a new job. Good to hear your enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment and feedback 'Anon'!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you feel overwhelmed, particularly when you first arrive, know that it's completely normal and the feelings will pass. Just remember to focus on your reasons for moving here, and keep putting one foot in front of the other, and you'll be fine.
Also, the expat community here is incredibly welcoming and friendly, which makes adjusting much easier.
Where are you moving from?
I have moved countries before so I think I will handle it ok, my wife and kids may be a different story but they won't be moving until next year. We have visited Moresby and meet a few expats who were all fantastic so that's positive. We are moving from Brisbane :D
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