Tuesday last week, was time for me to travel back to Mt Hagen. After spending time in Madang on the coast (in the lowlands), I knew it would be a big change heading back to Mt Hagen (in the highlands). They are really different worlds, besides the landscape and the difference in culture, the two things that really stand out are the people and security. In Madang people are friendlier than those in the Highlands. In the Western Highlands (where Mt Hagen is the capital of the state) people are more aggressive. In saying that, there are people here that are friendly. But interesting enough most people from the lowlands are afraid to come to the highlands. With security in Madang, where we were located there was not many issues. No lock on the door, no fence around the campus etc. But we still had a few security issues arise during the course. But in Mt Hagen, our housing is in a compound with razor wire. My front door has three locks, windows have bars on them and you shouldn’t be out after dark, plus other security issues. So yeah, it is a big change coming back to Mt Hagen.
That afternoon I walked into town to grab some supplies and it is good to get about and for people to get to know you. But it was not the first time in doing so, but was still a strange experience. Throughout town there would have to be around 1000-2000 people around, but yet that afternoon I was the only white skin around. And the reactions of people are always interesting; they are shocked, scared, angry, friendly or intrigued. But to think that the first white explorers only arrived here just over seventy years ago is amazing. And for some it is weird seeing me walking about in town, this tall white man, yet for me it is weird to see two guys holding hands walking down a street (which is cultural appropriate and means they are good friends; whereas man and woman holding hands in public is not appropriate).
But as I was walking back to my new compound (my second place of accommodation) from town. A MAF truck turned up with my three barrels and my toolbox crate. Which was such good timing and an answer to prayer. As I needed several things from them and would be moving into a new apartment the following week. Also I would be starting work out at the hanger the following day.
