Wednesday January 15. Lovely New Guinea day.
A surprise for us was the fact that the ship docked, instead of anchoring in the bay, better tides than expected I suppose.
We four walked off the ship about 9:00 ??? and a long kilometer to the main road. There we jumped on a van, one of hundreds that run around picking people up and dropping them off along the route. Cost is 1 Kila, [about 40 cents Cdn]. We only have US$ so they charge $1.00. OK with us rich white folks!
We got off the bus a bit early and we were in a tiny town instead of the town of Wewak. Two ladies picked us up and walked us to the intended town, about another 1/2 hour walk.
Along the way we were the subject of much gawking by the locals who all want to greet us, even shake hands and LOVE to have their photo taken. At one spot we were asked if OUR photo could be taken, we of course said yes. Soon there were a couple of strangers in the photo. I suppose they wanted to show their friends these white folks they encountered today. Good fun.
After our 'guides' took us to the market, they led us to the correct van stop and we were driven as close to the ship as possible. We tipped the guides a couple of US$ that they reluctantly took.
Back to the ship to shower, rest, do the blog, have lunch and head out on a tour. ''Japanese Surrender Tour' arriving back in time to depart for Indonesia, in three days, so we have three days at sea coming up.
Once again I am sending this now so the blog is posted in time for readers to see before bed time at home. We will get back from the afternoon tour very late, West Coast time.
These dancers greeted us as we walked off the ship.
Modesty is not a virtue to some it seems. That man has a 'Penis Shield' on. Obviously it is 'decorative' not functional. I suppose to express virility, or something!
Local market.
This man asked me to take his picture!
The kids are so shy and cute here, unspoiled in so many ways.
Our group with two attached 'guides'.
Just hanging out watching the White Folks go by!
For a while these four kids followed us. It is almost like there is some status thing about talking to or walking with White Folks. My thought!
Happy, eating a mango.
This boys job is to keep the flys off the smoked fish for sale.
Grandmas selling cocoanuts.
Awaiting us at the gangway.
A perfectly pleasant chap to talk to. Amazing the uncertainty we have built up over the years from pictures and news articles we have seen. I find if you approach them as an equal it works out just fine.
Jim chatting with another dancer.
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