Mother's Day at Napatana

One of the traditional Milne Bay features at

the lodge's haus win.

Three Mamas and a bottle of wine spells trouble!

Natalie English,Moi & Evelyn Numa.Crikey! ?

Smile o?

Each table featured a lovely posy.
The blackboard at the foot of the stairs.
I love the flowers in the clam shell.
The view from the bar overlooks a little path
that leads to the sea.
Quaint little touches like this shell chime,
carvings and large clam shells are scattered
throughout the lodge.
Carving with bad hair do!
Jeremiah,Laurie & Bruce entertained us with
"Guitar Girl", one of their own songs.
Habona,a well known face and "local celebrity"
was also present. He was giving Kaure a
friendly hug, but Kaure is obviously not enjoying it!

Gretta Kwasnicka (in pink on the left)-Manager of
Napatana Lodge. If you want to know what's
happening in Milne Bay in terms of tourism,
business etc. she'll fill you in.
The food was scrumptious,loved the steamed fish!
Elaine and Maxine being served by the lovely Bruce
who always takes care of us when we're at Naps!
That's part of the reason why I always enjoy going there,
the staff are great!
An enjoyable afternoon with friends.

Uh oh....Kaure needing to pee pee while

picking a flower for me.

I love the carvings scattered throughout

the gardens.

When filled with flowers and candles in the

evening,these giant clam shells look gorgeous!

Napatana Lodge is built from traditional materials

and has a great bar upstairs and lovely atmosphere!

This is where everyone goes on a Friday night

for Fish n' chips and trivia.They have

the best Fish n Chips in town!

The two stooges! Jeannie & Elaine

doing a bit of " Karim Leg"!

Isn't he just adorable?

Kaure Muala exhausted but still managing a smile.

Belated Mother's Day greetings to you!

I've only been a mother for the past 2 and a half years but I think it's safe to say I've pretty much got the hang of it now (motherhood that is). The first year was crazy,unstable and down right painful both emotionally and physically as I learned to adjust to having a little bub permanently attached to my boobs. I'd put on a tonne of weight, was jobless and had to rely on my son's father for financial support,which did not sit well with me (I'm used to earning my own money) . The fact that he was constantly unfaithful did not help either. As soon as I got the job with EMB and moved to Alotau though, my life changed for the better.

Being a single mum is one big roller coaster ride. I've been through five babysitters over the last 2 years, there were times I had to leave Kaure alone in the bungalow so I could rush to work and attend to guests, sometimes I'd make his bed in the office while I worked,I discovered early on that a lot of people here aren't too fond of highlanders so I had to deal with racist comments from members of my own family,complete strangers and even expatriates when they learned my son's father is from Chimbu. I grew up in the highlands amongst highlanders, my mother was a lecturer at Goroka Teacher's College so we travelled and visited many rural communities within the highlands. I loved growing up there, the people were wonderful to us and the scenery.....amazing. My son is blessed to be from two very different parts of the country and as he gets older I think it's important for him to learn about both sides of his heritage. It saddens me how people can be so ignorant and cruel especially towards a child. Despite all the initial trials of settling into a new environment, we survived.

My beautiful son turns 3 in August, he's the best thing that's ever happened to me.I know I'm being corny but hey...it's Mother's Day (well was).When you've had a rotten day,there's nothing like coming home and being bowled over by hugs and kisses from your son.

Anyway, now that I've got that off my chest!! Here are a few tips about being a mum:

1. Get a reliable and good babysitter/housekeeper (reduces your stress levels)

2. If you scream at your child, he/she will scream back at you, so try your best to speak calmly

even if it's through gritted teeth (it takes practise, trust me)

3. Watch as much of "Super Nanny" as possible, the naughty chair...really does work.

4. Before you leave the house, always pack spare diapers/clothing,water,nibbles,toilet paper,

wet wipes..what else......oh and your baby of course!

5. Never ever underestimate your child, they watch your every move and copy every single

thing you do and say (often when you least expect it).

On Mother's Day -Sunday 13 May, Jeannie,Elaine and I decided to treat ourselves to Buffet Lunch at Napatana Lodge which is within walking distance from EMB. As always at Napatana, we had a wonderful time and the food was delicious. The menu featured an assortment of exotic dishes,most notable was the watercress and carrot quiche, green pawpaw salad,steamed fish and dessert was my favourite-lemon and lime tart with ice cream, totally mouthwatering!

Kaure loved the ice cream so much he had 3 bowls full!

Max and friends

Maxine

Gudi! (pronounced Gooody) When in Milne Bay, that's the standard greeting. While English is widely spoken, most people here are multi-lingual. On the mainland, Tawala is the main language then as you head out to the many,many Islands, there's Dobu (Fergusson Islands), Kiriwina (Trobriand Islands), Suau,Misima,Rossel etc etc.There are said to be more than 50 different languages in Milne Bay.I speak Sariba but not fluently. Because I've spent a lot of my youth outside of the province and country, when I'm home,(Sawasawaga village-Sariba Is.), everyone loves to listen to me attempting to speak Sariba and the minute I make a mistake they crack up and never let me forget it! At the same time though, they appreciate the effort and I must say it's always interesting communicating with my bubus (grand-parents).

My bubu taubada (mum's Dad-Elia Nadile) was a young boy during The Battle of the Coral Sea

when The Allied forces (American and Australian soldiers) set up camp in our village. I recall one particular conversation we had at about 1am when everyone else was fast asleep. Here's how it went:

Bubu(in Sariba): Mekisini (Maxine), before when all the Amelican soldias were here, all the time, I used to hear them say -"Son of a bitch, Son of a bitch,ede tena saha (what does it mean)?"

Me:(trying very hard not to crack up!) Oh Bubui, tenata se wane kedewa natuna", (Bubui, it means child of a dog).......somehow it just didn't sound right and the more I tried to explain the phrase to him, the more I confused him. Of all the things he remembered after all those years!!!

Anyway,I'm supposed to be introducing you to my friends.....

Allow me to introduce you to Jean Callister-The Smartest,toughest,sassiest,craziest,funniest and most unselfish person I know. She's also married with three kids (sorry guys!),business woman, supermum.....you wouldn't think it though as she often passes for a 15 yr old and has the wickedest laugh not to mention sense of humour. Jeannie's part Misima and Manus. She's an amazing woman and mum and if you ever hear a tiny lady with a really loud voice yelling out something to someone on the road as she flys past in her ute.....that's probably her! Here's Elaine, as she's known to us.Her full name is Mercinta-Elaine Maras. Recently employed by EMB to assist with the Distance Education School, she is also sweet,smart and a tonne of fun!.Elaine's background is in Education,she speaks Bahasa fluently amongst other languages and she's Kavieng mix Indonesian and Central. Already she's been mistaken for a Milne Bayan.....which I have trouble understanding as she has legs like Naomi Campbells' and is often likened to Pamela Anderson for some reason (well, a PNG version anyway)....hmmm, most Milne Bayans are very,very short. Perhaps it's because she's picked up Milne Bay English in no time- "So How?", "Det one oledi I did it!"

Elaine's a breath of fresh air in Alotau and has become more like family really. Always positive, she's also well travelled, great to talk to, awesome with kids,a fantastic cook and I love all the wonderful spicy Indonesian sauces and dishes she makes for us.

This is Murray Abel and Delcie Chariton's haus win by the sea. We (Elaine & I) turned up to pick up a couple of sauce pans that I'd left at their house a few months back and ended up enjoying a bottle of red with them well into the afternoon!Murray and Delcie are such a wonderful couple and always so hospitable. I always enjoy their company. Needless to say we left their house and only remembered the pans when we arrived home.

Delcie and Maxine
Sigh, just one more glass..........
and then we'll be on our way home.

Murray and Delcie-always the perfect hosts. Kaure enjoying the back yard

Kaure Muala and friends

I love reading books! Dis one is my fevrit!

Last time we had one black out,my friends Javier

and Jamon came and we stayed at my house.

Javier and Jamon making monster faces.
"Mummy, I want to pee pee!"

My friends and me at the beach.

We made one small fire and ate popcorn.

Aunty Jin Jin and me looking for

da snake at Napatana

"I tink I saw da snake deya......Eeeeee I'm scared!When I'm not running,I like to climb everything!

Rosita is like a big sista to me.

She's one of my best friends!

Powder fight!!!

Arghhh!!!Don't tickle me! "Mummy,don't force! I don't want to laugh!

Sometimes, I wear my mummy's crazy socks

and go sliding all over da floor!

I look like Big Birdie on Sesame Street!

Aunty Lucy is my new baby-sitter,

she looks after me and I really like her. Mummy, you how?

You went to town and where's my supwise?

"Don't disturb me! I'm very busy in my office!"

Wanigili Theatre Group

Andy Tari "Tabu" leaping for joy after being

released from the curse of selling the bagi to

the dim dim

Rose Ila "Tabu's sister" dancing with the

bagi in his dream

John Napoleon "Mwali" trying to reverse the

curse on his son Tabu.

Tabu's "sister" and "mum"-Leanne Wilson
Terence the "Dim dim" giving Tabu his shirt
after buying the bagi.

Mwali and his dying" father" Robin Noel.
Gerry Philip-playing the garamut backstage

Robin Noel backing up with rattles

An emotional moment between father & son

Tabu falls ill

The group rehearsing

The err...Director-

Master Kaure Muala Nilkare

Drama was followed by music

presented by some of the extremely

talented distance education students.
Samantha Clark plays the guitar and
sings beautifully.

Mili Saul,another talented singer

and guitarist

The back up vocalists-Leilani Warren (left)
& Victoria Fitzgerald (right)

Wanigili's all girl band

Over the past 7 months Education Milne Bay Ltd.(EMB) has been involved with a community radio & drama project funded by The Media for Development Initiative (MDI). Jane McKenzie-an AYAD (Australian Youth Ambassador) volunteer who was based at EMB for the past year,was instrumental in training eight local talents (most are unemployed & living in the village) in the art of drama & theatre.They call themselves "Wanigili Theatre Group". For more info ,check out their blog- http://wanigilitheatre.blogspot.com

The main objective of the project was to create and produce a series of 6 x 30 min. radio drama programs addressing key issues in our province (& country) including; HIV/AIDS,Domestic Violence & Good Governance. It's been an exciting...... and looong and challenging journey which isn't over yet. For more info check out Jane & Cam's previous blog (Cam Hollows is her partner,the nicest guy who is never short for words or laughs & makes a mean Chicken Panag!) http://camnjaneinpng.blogspot.com

Jane has now returned to Oz (actually right now,she's probably walking the streets of Venice with Cam-check out their latest blog- http://camnjanecontinued.blogspot.com). Jane is a drama specialist who inspired us,challenged us and taught us skills that we'll never forget. I was her counterpart and was also involved in the workshops. Even though she left us in April, she is sorely missed and we still think of her and talk about her. Because there's so much to share about Jane,I'll need to dedicate a seperate post just on her (and Cam). For now, here are some photos of The Wanigili Theatre Group taken this week. They performed an original item called "Bagi for Money" for The National Cultural Commission who are currently conducting a workshop here at EMB. The workshop is about " Model Law on The protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of culture" so it was a very appropriate play, which was enjoyed by all. The group performed really well, I was so proud of them!

The Office

View from the balcony overlooking

the Win Haus and sea.

The lounge area in front of Simon's office.
View from Simon's office looking towards the
kitchen and dining room.
View of the ground floor auditorium which also features
a large stage and can seat 250 - 300 people. We often use this
area for large gatherings & conferences.

Now that I've proven that it is actually possible to have a social life in a quiet and sleepy town like Alotau, allow me to enlighten you on what I actually do for a living. As previously mentioned,I work for Education Milne Bay Ltd. a small company which specialises in training,community development and providing development services to various organisations within the country. We have a small team. Simon Ellis is our General Manager and he focuses on the training and educational aspects of the company while I help manage the Centre. We also have Guy Edwards-an Australian volunteer who works alongside Mercinta-Elaine Maras and Michelle Benua in managing the Wanigili Distance Education School. This is the first year of its operation and we have a total of 8 students (all doing either yr.9 or 10) doing correspondence with Dubbo School in NSW-Australia.We also have a wonderful group of kitchen,maintenance and housekeeping staff whom I'll introduce to you soon.

Wanigili Centre is our headquarters and is situated a few minutes from main town Alotau in the KBD area. It is a large and spacious property located along the seafront. On site we have 2 rustic bungalows,a guest house with 12 rooms and the main building, which features several office spaces, conference rooms which we regularly hire out in addition to a resource room with several computers (access to internet), printers and photocopying machines.

The building was designed by a local Milne Bay architect from Suau Is. and built by local builders.All the timber was sourced locally. It has an eco-style design with lots of open spaces and beautiful rosewood walls and large posts. I never really had an appreciation for timber until I came to Wanigili. On a sunny morning as the sun creeps up on the building, the walls and posts literally light up with a warm golden glow,it's quite breathtaking, as are the views from the balcony that surrounds the entire building.

See the photos for yourself.....I know, I pinch myself all the time and Thank God that I've finally found a job where I can meet interesting people,walk around barefoot, run home in 2 seconds to see my son, and be near the sea every single day.

It all started with a glass of wine........

Argghhh! It's alive!
Harry Simpson giving some crab-eating
tips to Kaure.

Joeena and daughter Jamon getting carried

away with the crab

Great company, good food and wine...

what more do you need?

That's how my week-end began.On Saturday, Harry Simpson and his wife Joeena invited me to have a glass of wine with them and to share the delicious steamed crab that Harry had prepared for lunch. Harry,Joeena and their 2 kids Jamon and Javier have been our guests at EMB for the past few months. They are such a lovely family and the kids are always so pleasant and well mannered. Joeena works in Moresby so she flies back and forth to see her family.

Anyway, after a rather dreary and cloudy morning,the skies cleared up by lunch time so we sat out on the balcony at Wanigili Centre and got stuck into the crabs and white wine. It was Kaure's first time to eat crab so Harry gave him a few pointers and then that was it, he couldn't get enough of it! He may be part Chimbu but his taste buds are definitely coastal. Kaure loves eating any seafood especially fish & prawns (just like mum).

Elaine eventually joined us and we got so carried away with the conversation and company we forgot all about our BELLY DANCING appointment with Bubu Zen at 3pm! Until Jeannie called us on the mobile to say Bubu Zen was already at her place and they were waiting for us!Boy was she (Jeannie) pissed at us. Being the great friend that she is though, she picked us up. When it comes to Bubu Zen (and Jean!), time is TIME!

Jean had gone second hand crazy that morning so when we arrived at her house she had every shade and size scarf imaginable awaiting us, in preparation for some serious belly dancing.

The Middle Eastern music was playing, the scarves were thrown,twisted and tied on and then the dancing begun! Having had a few glasses of Chardonnay to warm up with, we literally threw ourselves into a dancing frenzy, girating every which way, attempting to roll our hips from side to side without moving our buttocks as instructed by Elaine our belly dancing guru who showed more coordination than ermm.....some of us. Belly dancing eventually turned into 80's dancing when Bubu decided to change the music to 80's Disco.

All came to an abrupt halt however,when baby Ailalana fell down the steps in her walker. Panic, shock took over but was eventually replaced with calm once she was consoled and thoroughly checked by Nurse Aila& Mum. Then, as we started warming up again to the music another accident took place and this time Lani had somehow found a knife and cut his finger.So, with blood dripping onto the kitchen floor and Lani screaming his poor little head off, that pretty much ended our dancing session. Jean raced Lani to the hospital down the road where he had stitches on his finger. He was very brave! Who says nothing ever happens in Alotau????