Today is the 37th day of Papua New Guinea’s independence.  Around Port Moresby and indeed around the country people are celebrating the independent birth of this very young (but old) nation.  I think of a modern day PNG as one that is still trying to find it’s feet between keeping traditional roots and embracing modernism – and I think that over time this balance will come naturally to future generations.  The most amazing thing about PNG is the countries ability to shine on this weekend, everyone is wearing PNG colours, flags are everywhere, and traditional garb is a plenty – it is a wonder to behold.  Jacinta was talking today about this being the best time for family to come visit us here.  The weather is great, the people are embracing, and the festivities are something else.

This morning we started the day by having a nice breakfast with friends at the Yachty, they had a market setup and at 10:30am a sing sing group put on a fantastic performance in the hot sun.  Coming home to put the littlest to bed for a quick sleep, and then we are off to a BBQ overlooking Ela Beach for the afternoon. Yesterday, I was approached via twitter to do a radio interview back in NZ, so that is on tonight at 7:30pm PNG time (10:30pm NZ time).  It’s certainly been a very busy 3 days and its not over yet..

I took a couple of photos at the Yacht Club this morning.  One of Xaria putting on her best impression of a little warrior princess, and of course – I had to take a photo of the waitresses in their traditional attire.  It’s not often you get served by partially naked young ladies – and it is awesome to see them out and about without the slightest hint of embarrassment, and of course – everybody here treats the girls with the utmost respect.

Here is the day in pictures so far 🙂