First full day in Goroka

I knew I was back in PNG last night when a street boy pulled a knife out on
Eli and myself. We had wandered down to the local shops in West Goroka to
try and find something to eat for dinner, we probably should not have been
out as it was close to getting dark by the time we left the Lodge. No one
got hurt and I learnt something knew from Eli : apparently street boys about
to pull of a “gig” – will automatically back off when looked at in the eyes,
the shame gets them according to Eli. The experience was well worth it as it
curbed my over-confidence straight away.

Did go into the Hospital today and met heaps of the staff including my new
boss – Dr Jo Apa. John, the Property Officer, was particularly helpful and
probably spent most of half a day with me. We did go around and check-out a
couple of potential homes – I have been given a choice of two homes. The
first one a semi located near the hospital, with two bedrooms, a verandah,
good security and a smallish yard. Or a 2nd home which is located a couple
of km's out from the center of town – within an estate. A beauty!! Three
bedrooms, a large yard, great security and very private. Both Eli and myself
were wrapped in the 2nd choice unfortunately we will have to wait anything
up to a month before we can move in. I'm not going to get my hopes up too
high – as I know that in PNG – things are never 100% for sure until. they're
100% for sure.

Headed down to the markets this afternoon with Eli to buy some fresh fruit
and veg. Yep, the old Goroka Market – as packed and vibrant as ever. People
hanging around, staring, sitting, walking, gathering, chewing and smoking.
Yep, I'm definitely back in PNG. My head started to spin at the markets and
I said to Eli. lets head back to the Lodge I'm feeling a little dizzy. Just
the people and the noise, the staring and the comments as one walks past. It
kind of got to me. and I started to spin. A shower and some dinner, a
chill-out in front of the idiot box, a bit of writing and organizing. As
good as new.

A feel like a beer,
and I feel like a smoke,
perhaps a chew,
just something,
anything,
fuckin anything.

(I'm still spinning – obviously)

Where's that nicorette inhaler?
Something!
Anything!
Right now!

Sex?