Early this morning we leave for Simbu. With Eli, her brother Lumba and her Dad we head up the highlands highway to there clan village “Kaubasis” (Simbu Province). A couple of hours drive along the highway past Goroka – we will get off the PMV at a place called “Mangiro” – in the “Chuave” district. From “Mangiro” we walk for a couple of hours until we get to Eli's Dad's village ” “Kaubasis” (Klos tu… klos tu… !!).
This is a special trip in a sense as I head back to meet Eli's clan. I must admit to being a little nervous (just a little) but I am also excited at the opportunity to immerse myself in village life and dynamic for a few days. They tell me it get's cold in “Kaubasis” – at an altitude of around 2000m above sea level – there's a good chance that my nuts could go “block” when washing in the local river.
I'm sure we will come back with a few new stories and certainly lots of photos.
Stay tuned !!
NB: The above photo was taken on our 2nd last trip up to Goroka – on that occasion we slipped up to “Mangiro” by PMV for a few hours. The photo is a billboard at the “Mangiro” junction advertising the local guest house.
Hi Rob,
Is there a possibilty of taking some pictures of the Mangiro Guest Haus and post them on your site whenever you happen to make another trip to Kaubasis. The owner may need some publicity as there’s no information of the guest house listed under the PNG Tourism Website for accomodation list in PNG. The owner is a village kid who decided to help himself build small projects but knows nothing about the power of internet in marketing his product. Some help will go a long way as we say for our local heros, true pela mangi blong ples.
nana
I have’nt been to the village since last July (just too busy with work) however next time I visit I will certainly do as you ask.
Cheers
bikpela tenku turu for the committment…..certainly your big heart for evey small guy on the street does make a huge impact in their lives.
nana