Week 1

Thought that now we have finished our two weeks In Country Orientation and Language course I'd bring you up to date with a few entries. We have now got internet access through the hotel's hotspot but are trying to work off line then connect later or when in the VSO office.

So the first week had us starting Tok Pisin lessons, filling out forms for bank accounts etc. So many excellent sessions on the country which have been very useful. Sometimes just small things like not stepping on the cloth in the market where they display their fruit and veg! On the first Monday, remember we only arrived Sunday evening the day before, we had a language lesson and then were taking in the VSO bus to tour the town and go to market. Before entering the market we were all given a shopping list of vegetables and 5 kina [local currency] to do the shopping! I was the only one to not spend it all and even got a free coconut because I tried to ask in pidgin! We then went to the CWA [community women's association] house where we were shown how to prepare the different vegetables, cook them and then eat them! Really useful experience.

During the week we went out for a Chinese meal with all the VSO office staff and some volunteers who live in Madang. We also had a meal at the Country Director, Karen's home.

One of the highlights of the week was meeting the Doctor for a briefing. He was sitting in his club, chain smoking and drinking beer! Quite a character with his long ponytail! His name is Dr Mackerel so his email address is tinpis which means tinned fish!!

Enough for now. Village visit to come next!!