“A new home”

This afternoon I came back to Lae after briefly visiting the Goroka Coffee Festival, staying with Eli’s relatives in “Massey” and catching up with vollie mate Kevin in “Aiyura” (near Kainantu). When I hit Eriku after getting off the Highlands PMV it struck me:

When I first travelled along the Highway from Nadzab (airport) to Lae…
I was shit scared !

When I first did the run up the Highlands Highway to Goroka…
I thought never again !!

When I first walked around Lae and saw the number of people…
I was totally overwhelmed !!!

When I started catching the PMV‘s around Lae town…
The street boys and pickpockets were a grave concern !!!!

And when I witnessed a disturbance in a public place…
I would run the other way !!!!!

Nowadays…

When I come back to Lae and travel along the Highway from Nadzab (airport) to Lae…
It feels like I am coming home !

When I head up the Highlands Highway in those “faster than a speeding bullet” PMV‘s…
I feel at one with the other passengers !!

When I walk around town and visit the settlements…
I feel totally safe !!!

When I’m at a bus stop waiting for a PMV…
I talk to the street boys and pickpockets – they are now my friends and lookout for me !!!!

And when I witness a public disturbance…
I rush over to see what is going on just like everyone else !!!!!

The decision as to whether I stay-on in PNG or leave when my contract runs out in December 2006 is going to be an easy one…