Papua New Guinea

[JamesMarcelle]

has anyone been there, or better yet spent any extended period of time there?
i would love to hear about any of your experiences inthis place.

 

[boomlrd]

I used to live in Jayapura, Irian Jaya for over 4 years - Thats the western side of New Guinea. Beautiful there, never spent much time across the border in Papua, but it was basically the same. Cheap to live there too!

 

[B4B]

Wednesday's Special "People Pizza"

It's been 10 years since I was there, GIV outer windshield cracked, and we diverted. I still have the clipping from the local paper, Wednesday's Special "People Pizza", check your six.

 

[westshan]

No experiences to report, but isn't that the last place Amelia Earhart was seen before she mysteriously disappeared enroute to Howland Island? (Some historian set me straight, please.) If it was, just a little scary, ja?

 

[oldxfr8dog]

has anyone been there, or better yet spent any extended period of time there?
i would love to hear about any of your experiences inthis place.

This maybe totally "up the wrong tree" for you.
Long time readers here may remember "Duke Elegant". A fine Aviator of the "Old School".
He was an Aussie pilot that wrote his own rules and found adventure all over the world. He wrote of his career as he underwent his cancer treatments. They are compiled at http://www.equinedzine.com/Duke_Elegant.htm
His early years he spent in New Guinea and there are some great stories! Circa early 70s, if IRMC. Others concerned spraying in TBMs, flying fish in Super DC-3s, and other cool stuff.
I'm not ashamed to say that I wept a bit when he lost his battle.

 

[JamesMarcelle]

thanks for the responses so far guys! if anyone has any recent experience, please send it through.....

 

[Kiwi]

We go there regullarly to Madang and Port Moresby. We have also been to Rabual, Manis Island and Keaveing [spelling].

It is seriously backwards and most places are not safe.

Are you going there permanantly or just passing through?

I would recommend passing through or better still not going.

 

[Going2Baja]

How's the surf and fishing???

Baja.

 

[X man]

Papua

How's the surf and fishing???

Baja.

Not sure about the surf, but fishing is good. They have big crocadiles that do not mind the salt water though. Flying is great, small really un-improved strips, where the station agent comes out with a penis goard, ray bans, shoes and nothing else. You piss him off and he and his relatives will eat you for weekend dinner, but a great place to tell stories about. I understand the expats drink alot of scotch after work.:cartman:

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Xman,
I think the reason the crocodiles don't mind the salt water is that they are salt water creatures. Alligators favor freshwater. Getting eaten by either is unappealing. Crocs tend to be more aggressive so you're better off in freshwater for extended swimming.

I have some friends that export products from New Guinea and spend time there. They fly commercial so I couldn't be much help with the technical end of things but I might be able to get you in touch with one of them to give you background on what it's like away from the airport.

 

[JamesMarcelle]

Dave,

that would be great! At this point i think most the technical stuff is taken care of, so im more wondering about what its like to be there, what there might be to do, etc. Should be a few months assignment and i'm more curious on what life there is like as an American. thanks for all the posts!

 

[G3G4]

Madang

I was there about 2 years ago. We flew through Port Moresby and spent most of our time in Madang. Not a whole lot to do unless you are a scuba diver. The diving is excellent. There is only one really nice resort in Madang. I dont remember the name but I am sure if you ask anyone form that area they will point you towards that hotel. If you are gonna spend time in Port Moresby be very careful. It is very dangerous. Most of the controllers are pretty good. English is not a problem. All of the airline pilots that fly in that area are either from Australia of English. We had a very nice time there. Again not a whole lot to do..