week 10 - Bekaert Els - Papua New Guinea

Hi everybody

Here I’m again, writing from the beautiful country “Papua New Guinea”. I can’t believe how beautiful it really is here.  Today we went for a backpacking trip through the seaside resort in the province “Madang”. Madang is located nortside of the island and it is known for the fertile grounds and high peaks. Offshore they are a couple of volcanic islands. These volcanos are still very active and you can see the hot lava bubbling in the craters. Madang has also a very interesting history. It was destroyed in the Second World War through very severe and bloody fights. The town of Madang, which is the capital of the province, was completely ruined. When it was rebuild after the war, they’ve build many beautiful public gardens and ponds.  Madang is now known for their art. After a guided tour through the province, we rested at the beautiful beach with palm trees. The coastal waters are perfect to snorkel and scuba dive. Inland, in the rainforest, you’ll find hundreds of tropical birds. I still can’t believe how enchanting they are.

The country depends for the greater part of the export of wood, fish and minerals. Approximately 72% of the economy depends of this. But these land reclamation is made more difficult through the rough terrain. It really depends on these natural resources. Also Cacoa, oil palm and tea are famous products for the export.  There isn’t an export of industrial products, because of the high shipping costs, high wages and limited domestic market. So Papua New Guinea has to import all the industrial products. The country also depends on the support from other countries, like Australia, the European Union, Japan, China… Australia is the biggest contributor of all and Papua New Guinea knows strong ties with Australia.

After this trip through the province of Madang, we went more inland in seek of a native tribe. It was my wish to see how these isolated people live. And yes… after a long hike, we met a local who would guide us towards a little village.  The whole group was exited and we couldn’t get our nerves under control. Finally we would meet these intriguing people.

It was a real culture shock. The man were only dressed with a koteka for their penis. The woman with a skirt made of grasses. Their boobs were uncovered and danced with every step they took.  I couldn’t hold a little smile. The tribe was very curious when they saw us, because they don’t see often ‘white people’. But after a little acquaintance, they were at ease with us. They began to show us their way of living and invited us in their village.

It was really an extraordinary day. I still can’t believe that my dream came true.

Sweet dreams (I’m sure I will),

Lots of love

Els