Goroka Trip – Part #3

This story is continued on from : Goroka Trip (17/2/06) – Part #2

On arriving in Goroka town, the three of us (Eli and her uncle Joel) walked across to the main town park to sit and rest for a while. The PMV ride up the Highlands highway can be and is rather tiresome. The first item on the agenda was to go and get some food, I was starving as I had skipped breakfast in the morning due to the PMV arriving at home to pick us up 45 mins early. A couple of rice balls and some cold coke later got me thinking about that pot of fresh coffee at the Bird.

After a short huddle, uncle Joel decided to stay back in the park and look after the bags and cargo. So without any further delays Eli and myself started to walk towards the center of town (where the Bird of Paradise hotel is) – I could already smell and taste the hot brew!

As we started to walk I noticed a large crowd (see photo above) – all gathered around a preacher from some denomination or another. A common site in towns all over PNG and in my view nothing but a public disturbance and an annoyance to the ear. Loud preachers ranting and raving, yelling at the crowds. Talking about sin, punishment and promising heaven on earth. You know what I see when I look at these men imposing their views on innocent bystanders? I see fear and insecurity. I hear one man’s interpretation of just one of many holy books. I see a blind man preaching to the blind. I hear many words and thats all they are : words! Truth is beyond words and cannot be forced on to people. The christian fundamentalism that is currently sweeping PNG leads the people of PNG away from clarity and focus. Truth is a simple matter and is certainly not to be found in any one book or books.

The walk through town was enjoyable and the coffee at the Bird even more so. The “one man circus” got some stares but I am learning to just keep walking and just stare at the ground. Truth is I am rather partial to all the attention I get here in PNG, nevertheless too much attention makes my head spin like a “top”.

Balance in all things.

All photos from this trip will be posted to the Goroka Trip (17/2/06) photo album.

Story to be continued in : Goroka Trip (17/2/06) – Part #4