Give-Away a la Brendan

Those of you that follow this blog regularly would be familiar with my opinion of the general expatriate community in Papua New Guinea. Those that know and have met me will vouch for my outspokenness on the subject of the missionary, mercenary and misfit types that for various reasons find themselves living and working in the Land of the Unexpected, either on a permanent or on a short term basis.

When I first landed in Lae in early 2005 I was given many opportunities to join the colonial types down at the Yacht Club or the Lae International. I think it must have been after my 2nd “steak and handle” night down at the Yachtie that I made a decision to avoid the ex-pat scene.

I had come to this land as a volunteer to experience another culture and to meet and mix with locals. Had I wanted to immerse myself in the local pub/club scene and mix with quasi yobbo’s types I could have stayed back in Sydney for that.

(Yobbo: Australian male wearing stubby shorts, chesty bonds singlet, flannelette shirt open, thongs, with a mullet.

In hindsight, perhaps I could have been a little more open to interacting socially with my own people. The odd piss-up and night on the town with the local whites would have provided a distraction and release from the intensity of life in the tropics – perhaps even providing a more balanced social life. Never mind, what is done is done and I certainly don’t carry any regrets. At the end of the day… each to their own.

Believe it or not but over the past five years I have managed to meet the odd visitor that I really liked and respected. Not many mind you – out of hundreds of folks, probably about a dozen or so. The most recent of these likeable characters was an Australian called Brendan. We seemed to take to each other instantly (Eli included) and my only regret is that we did not get to spend more time together. Sadly, Brendan left PNG recently and it is anyone’s guess whether we will ever see each other again. Such is the itinerant nature of life.

Before Brendan left we had the opportunity to share a meal at the local Bird of Paradise. But what really blew us away was the afternoon Brendan dropped of a stash of goodies at our home in West Goroka. Brendan’s kind gesture was greatly appreciated and we were both deeply touched.

From L to R: Brendan, Eli and yours truly after a memorable dinner at the Bird of Paradise:

Some of the stuff Brendan left us before he hopped on a plane back to Oz:

Note the movie camera, laptop bags, books, speakers, clothes and general stationery items.

Thanks a million Brendan!!

If you would like to see other photos of the many give-aways (courtesy family and friends back at home) from the past five years – head on over to the “Donations in Kind” photo albums. Note that 95% percent of stuff sent over has been handed out to locals.

To learn more about how to bring a smile to the face of a local child – check out “Give Aways and Wishlist” stories.