SILENCE AND SPIDERS 29th March 2009 We survived Karamui once again, the 'we' being John and I, Jake (team leader), Phil (geologist), Joe (senior standards inspector for primary schools), and Philip, who works in conservation.Our arrival caused the now customary silence.Hundreds of pairs of eyes meeting us quizzically from the side of the air field and a gang of willing helpers, who materialise from nowhere, carried our baggage to the house - no question of a ti...

ERIC AND URN March 21st 2009 John has nearly ended himself recently.We have a spare mosquito net hanging over our open door to keep out the bugs (see photos).The trouble is, John either nearly hangs himself, trips over it or spills whatever beverage he has in his hands trying to negotiate it's voluminous folds, I will not repeat the profanities which issue forth at regular intervals!So, he comes home from shopping (bless!) full of smiles saying he has met w...

PLANE SPOTTING 24th February 2009 We have become avid plane spotters, just like the locals.When a plane is due, the landing strip is lined with people, who often wait for hours if the plane is late.They watch it approach, land, check who and what comes off the plane and goes on and then the take off.I heard recently from a headteacher in Karamui, that she has to haul her teachers off the landing strip back into the classroom when a plane is due (often only once...

A DAY AT THE SEASIDE 11th February 2009 We packed our cossies, towels and the camera, couldn't find our bucket and spade sadly!The weather was fine and we were off to the seaside!To Madang - a holiday resort by the sea!An 8-10 hour drive on the Saturday, a rest day on the Sunday, a VSO conference on the Monday and back again on the Tuesday. As luck would have it, one of the VSO officers (a national), was up in Simbu and returning to Madang on the Saturda...

LAND OF THE UNEXPECTED 30th February 2009 They call PNG the 'Land of the Unexpected', but sadly, it's all been a bit predictable so far!We were due to meet with the Senior Secondary Inspector the day after we arrived back from UK - we waited for an hour - no show.The start date of term was postponed for a week - why?We know not.This week has been teacher resumption week - they have a whole week in school to prepare.It consisted of the most diabolical staff meet...