Week 10 - Papua new guinea - Audrey Vanderstraeten

Dear readers,

Els already wrote about our first day in Papu New Guinea and how we arived in Port Moresby. Since I was very impressed by this city I wanted to write a bit more so that you as wel can experience what we saw.

This was the first time that we visited Port Moresby, the capital and largest city of Papua New Guinea. It is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua, on the southeastern coast of the island of New Guinea.

Port Moresby has relatively constant temperatures throughout the year that vary from 24°C up to 32°C depending on time of year. I already heard a lot of this city and couldn’t wait to see it with my own eyes.

My first impression was confronting and intimidating. It might be the largest city of PNG but it’s definitely not the cutest. Port Moresby is known as one of the world’s least livable cities. However, it does have some redeeming features.

The most impressive building is the Parliament Haus, the mosaic façade of Parliament Haus will excite any photographer.  Another place worth visiting are the National Botanical Gardens they are definitely one of Port Moresby highlights and when the orchids are blooming, it’s perhaps the city’s most charming spot. 

Outside town, Varirata National Park is heaven for bird-watchers. 


It’s a small part of PNG’s future and it’s fascinating to talk with locals to sense what it’s like to live in a city rated one of the earth’s most dangerous and least livable.

Being mindful is necessary in Port Moresby but there’s no need to be paranoid. With so little work available, most people sit around smoking, chewing betel nut, reading the newspapers. At the end of the day the locals will regale you with good manners and thoughtful conversations.

Experiencing Port Moresby is about people rather than sights.

Write to you soon!

XO-XO
Audrey Vanderstraeten

Sources:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/papua-new-guinea/port-moresby http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Moresby