Early days and first impressions

Arriving at Port Moresby airport the waves of heat almost push you back on to the plane and the short walk to the terminal building is quite suffocating. I am prepared for questions at immigration, I have my completed landing card, my visa, my letter from VSO and my work placement address all at my fingertips but I need none of it. This has to have been the most welcoming experience to a country that I have ever enjoyed. Immigration officers that smile and greet you with 'Hello, how are you?' has to be a first. My passport was stamped with just a cursory glance at my visa and no questions.

My hand luggage was extensive as I made sure I had everything that was really important to me plus enough clothes for a few days and I was getting very hot and sweaty carrying it. I was so pleased I did though when my suitcase did not arrive. The Air Nuigini staff could not have been more helpful however and today I had a phone call to say that my suitcase has arrived in Port Moresby and will be forwarded on to Madang this afternoon - hoora!!! Double excitement because it also means I have the adventure of leaving the hotel complex on the hotel bus to go to the airport and pick it up. This will be only the second time out in the 2 days I've been here.

After the friendliness the next thing that hit me about the people on arrival was the different faces. In London I am now used to being able to identify roughly where African and Indian people may originate from by looking at their features and their way of dressing; here I have no clue. This is a whole new part of the world for me with so much to discover.

If you read this and have questions please ask, it will improve my writing!!!

Until the next time

Papa Kate