It is Tuesday morning and this week is exam week at UNITECH. I have one exam I will need to supervise on Thursday (and then mark) but other than this exam I am basically fairly free.
We just had a long weekend here in PMG (Queen's Birthday) and I had a very relaxing weekend indeed. I am certainly enjoying the “slow” pace here in PNG and am starting to think that there will be culture shock when it comes time to return back home.
The weekend did'nt start slow due to an incident that ocurred last Friday. I went into town last Friday mid morning with Goasa, we both had to go to the bank and I also had to pay my 1st electricity bill. Having got our cash and also paid the power bill we were working towards one of the supermarkets in town, through one of the busy sections near the main bus stop. This bus stop is noted for rascal and pick pocket activity. Well, as I was walking this young man was walking towards me from the opposite direction and as he was getting closer he started eyeing my shirt pocket and as he was passing me his hand actually come towards my pocket. I immediately reacted and “brushed” him off, I just kept walking and turned around, he was'nt a happy chappy and mumbled some unkind words. Interesting thing is that I was not frightened and it felt good to have the strength and assertion not to allow the “bad element” to walk over me.
I reflected on this incident over the weekend and also spoke to some local people about it. It hit me how “tribal” this place really is. Many of the locals are only really one or two generations into having contact with white man and western ways. The dynamic amongst people is very tribal and grass roots. What this means is that most people stick with there own clan or “wantok” and rarely interact with “outsiders” if at all. There is always a potential for violence in this place and there will be times when one needs to “stand up” and fight or assert. Boys are raised with this “warrior” type mentality, something us men in the west seem to have lost.
Golden rule… always travel with someone !! The past few Saturdays I have been going into town with Peter, interesting to note that on these trips there are always a couple of Peter's “lads” in the back of the ute. After Friday's incident I now understand why. Clan or Wantok gives an individual protection against “others”. A tribal dynamic indeed.
As an “outsider”, a volunteer and a people person I interact with many different local men and women. These people are from many clans or Wantoks. I have no intention to take “sides”. At the same time I will not tolerate any “violent” action towards my person. It is fortunate that most PNG nationals are a friendly and loving people. The so called rascal element is in the minority.
I warned u about that 'bloody' bus stop! However, I think the would be thief is probably just that, who tried to take advantage of the moment, an 'opportunist'; Rascals almost always travel in 'gangs' and are armed in some way.
But, I'm sure the moment was yours as well. :)