All photos from our engagement ceremony in the village last weekend have now been uploaded for public viewing.
With the extra cameras on board I believe that the essence of last weekend’s gathering was captured really well (over 400 snaps). For those wanting to experience true Papua New Guinea hospitality and friendliness a visit to the Simbu Province in the Highlands is an absolute must.
Here’s a sample from each of the cameras…
At the “Hut” last Sunday when the two of us faced each other just before exchanging vows which was witnessed by close family and members of the Bolku clan (photo courtesy Sebastian):
The connection I have with the old people in the village is unique. Here I’m with Bubu Mika – a Bolku elder that had already been initiated by the time white first arrived in the mid 1930′s (photo courtesy Chau):
Eli’s Mum and Dad travelled up from Lae for the occasion. Here’s an excellent shot of Eli’s father – Jo Duna (photo courtesy Anthony):
The 400 odd photos have been grouped into three photos albums…
Photos courtesy Sebastian from the WTYSL Foundation (click on thumbnail):
Photos courtesy Chau from the WTYSL Foundation (click on thumbnail):
Photos courtesy Anthony and myself (click on thumbnail):
The task of adding captions to each of the photos should be finished within the next day or so.
Congratulations on your engagement! When does the wedding take place?
You mentioned in a previous email you were going back to Sydney for a while. I that because your contract has run out and you have to renew it?
Hi Leonard,
At this stage we are aiming for xmas this year. After UNITECH I started a new 2 year volunteer assignment at Goroka General Hospital which was extended by one year (3 years all up). Having made a decision to stay on in PNG it is now time to move on from volunteering and find something slightly more financially rewarding. At this stage nothing is confirmed but I have recently been negotiating on a major IT Services contract which would allow me to setup my own company. My current Visa expires shortly in mid Feb and I therefore need to leave the country. We are hoping that I can return (on a new Visa arrangement) within 3 months.
How is the weather your way?
Robert
Hi there Rob,
Congratulations on your engagement. I’m sure your wedding ceremony will be a big one.
I truly appreciate your comments about the friendliness and hospitality of the people of Simbu. I am always proud of our culture at home where people will always openly shown their emotions. Every time I go home for school holidays or break, there will always be a mother who will cry for me!! I’ll never forget that which makes me feel so special in the hearts of my mothers.
Well, it must have been a really awesome gathering for the community and your friends. I hope your friends enjoy the simple lifestyle of the villagers and the cultures.
You take care of yourself and I’ll see you somedays when our paths cross.
Kind regards
GG
Gideon,
Thanks bro!
And I hope that our paths end up crossing sooner rather than later!!
Robert
Dear Robert,
I have truly enjoyed the information published on this website however, what I truly enjoyed is the feeling of knowing and understanding how one falls in love with a woman, her culture and her people, you truly are a real man (trupela man ia). I am overwhelmed and intrigued by all these and I thank God that at least there are man like you around on earth. Tell Eli she is a real woman too (trupela meri ia).
All the best and God’s many blessings to you both.
Dorothy
Dorothy,
Na yu trupela meri olsem!!
Pleasure to know you and have you as a friend!!!
Robert
Thanks Nana,
Robert
Rob,
Congratulations on your engagement with Eli.
I’m sure the folks at the village are really proud to have you as one of their own.
Its great to have you as a friend and a mentor.
I only wish you and Eli all the world’s best.
Henry
Henry,
Thanks for your words of encouragement and support.
The pleasure is mine mate!!
Robert
Our congratulations to you, Robert. I’ve been to many such occasions in PNG villages. I know how much joy they can bring. This post evoked many happy (and a few sad) memories. Great presentation!
MadDog
Jan,
Thanks for your kind and supportive comments. Means a lot coming from a fellow blogger and larrikin.
Cheers bro!
Robert
Hi Rob & Eli,
congrats and good luck. Currently playing with the grandchildren in London and fondly remembering warm nights in your garden on the Unitech campus.
Cheers,
Dietrich
Dietrich,
London?! Dear me… you do get around!
Please pass on my regards to Monika.
And thanks for the comment.
Robert
Dear Rob + Eli,
Congratulations to you both. I can only imagine the joy and happiness you would be feeling. My heart and prayers go out to you both. Let me know when your coming over to visit. Take it easy.
Regards,
Ian
Onya bro!
Robert
Apa, nogut yu maritim wanpela meri Goroka, stap long PNG olgeta na yu no save long tok mauswara. Yu no save long tok pilai ;)
Rob, I wish you and your wife to be all the best. Wish I would have been there. Mangi kange would have had some pig, beetlenut, stories and maybe a meri of his own. May you have lot’s of kids, land and pigs. Apa konda kets mulai.
Sjoerd,
Re the mausmara and tok pilait… a place and time for everything bro.
Thanks for the congrats. Had you still been here you would definitely be on list of people to invite. Know you would have got right into the “mood” of a Highlands celebration!!
Robert
Hi Robert,
Just read about your engagment. Congratulations to you and Eli.
Bikpela Hugs to her. Mi tingim yu tupela stap.
Regards
Norah and pikininis
Hi Norah,
Thanks very much.
Hope all is well with you and family in POM.
Regards,
Robert
Rob & Eli,
congratulations on your engagement.
I wish you both the best the future can offer.
See you in Lae some time.
Regards!
Langtry
Lae
Morobe Province
Langtry,
If you are free around xmas – olsem skin bilong mi em i narapela kala na mi bai needim man long sanap long beksait bilong mi. Supos yu wanbel long kam antap long Simbu yu mas olsem karim kam wanpela pik wantaim yu!!
Robert