Robert@PNG

Here's another one of those blog posts in point form:

+ The past week or so I have not been blogging as regularly as I normally do.

+ This is due to: 1) The Internet connection here at UNITECH continues to run like a dog during the day (256kbps download for the whole University); 2) Have been starting to focus on work opportunities beyond 2006 and have started to put out some “feelers”; 3) Work load has been a little more hectic than usual.

+ Regarding point '2' above: I have basically decided that I would like to stay on in PNG beyond the expiry of my contract with UNITECH/AVI and have been focusing on a number of “streams”. These streams vary and range from social worker to disgustingly high paid ex-pat work in Moresby. Have been attending Rotary meetings in town to establish some new contacts in the “employment” market.

+ With the haus pik now built, I am now waiting for the delivery of two baby pigs from Eli's family's village in Simbu. I have decided on a name for the “boy” pig but have yet to decide on an appropiate name for the girl pig. The two baby pigs are expected any day now.

+ The By-Elections for the Chuave District in the Simbu Province are currently underway and with voting finished the ballot boxes are presently on their way up to Kundiawa for counting. One of Eli's uncle's, Pastor Russell Poka, is a candidate. I met Uncle Russell on my last visit to the village and really do hope that he wins. I believe he will make a great pollie. PNG is currently in desperate need of politicians with integrity.

+ The UNITECH Cultural show is a bi-annual event (every two years). This event is organised by the Student Council (SRC) and students get dressed up in their traditional bilas and perform danceing and singing from their respective districts. As part of the festivities they organise a Mr and Miss UNITECH Traditional and I have been approached to be a judge in this contest. What an honor and privilege!!  I have accepted the nomination to be a judge on the day glee and excitement. Watch this space for updates on this one.

+ The power outages have been the worse they have ever been the past two weeks. This is partially due to the landowners shutting down the hydro facilities up at Yonki last week but also due to the nature of infrastructure in a developing country : unreliable as all f*&^. I would really like to see UNITECH management taking a proactive stance on this one. And by management I not only include the VC but Head's of Departments as well. The impact of power outages is huge. For one of my courses: IS126 - we are now coming into 5 and I have not been able to do one iota of work with the students. On the subject of management : the VC has not been seen around these parts for over two months!! I thought a captain was meant to be with his/her ship. Where is the captain???

+ That will do for now…

Health, wealth and wisdom to all my readers!!

Catch.