Waaaw, this
country is truly amazing although I think you know it already from the stories
of Audrey and Els but I wanted to repeat one more time. Hehe J
Unfortunately,
it’s our last day here but I can’t wait to go to the Solomon Islands because I
think it’s also very beautiful… I’m curious!
Jeroen wanted
to go to the Parliament Haus today and that’s what we did… Actually the other
girls and I didn’t want to go but we wanted to do him a favor… but I have to
say: it was quite impressive…
The
Parliament Haus was officially opened in 1984 with Prince Charles on hand. The
main building is in the style of a Maprik, or Sepik-style, haus tambaran, while the attached, circular cafeteria building
follows Highland design principles. The façade is quite stunning, with a mosaic
featuring unmistakably PNG motifs. Photographers with wide-angle lenses will be
rewarded with great shots in the late afternoon light.
The cavernous lobby is entered through doors whose handles are stylised kundu
drums, which is an hourglass-shaped drum with lizard skin. Inside, huge Sepik
masks share space with several display cases full of fantastic butterflies,
including the native Queen Alexandra's Birdwing (the world's largest at 30cm
wingspan across), beetles and some very large stick insects. The display cases
are easy to miss; they're under the stairs. Photography inside Parliament Haus
is forbidden. That’s why there aren’t any pictures here (I’m sorry for that). I’ve
looked on the internet, but I can’t find any…
It's possible to visit the chamber and witness parliament when it's
sitting. A taxi from Boroko costs about around K15 or around K20 from Town.
Alternatively, take a PMV along Waigani Dr, get out at the white, empty
Pineapple Building, and walk about 2km northeast. Unfortunately, we didn’t have
the time to visit it. Maybe next time if we ever come again?
I’m so hungry, guys so I’ll end my blog here.
C u in the Solomon Islands ;-)
Xoxo, Annelien
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