Tropical Torpor

We're in Port Moresby: fences, barbed wire, and the security guard to tourist ratio is 3 to 1. Basically, we are safe in our hotel room. The advice most commonly given: 'Don't go out after 4pm, and 3:30 is cutting it close'. The pool at the hotel is under repair by the 'pool doctor' and it is extremely humid. Basically, we want out and we're getting out. Port Moresby was Malinowski's landing point and, like us, he was also eager to get where he was going. So instead of waiting until Sunday for the next flight to the Trobriands, we'll be flying to Alotau and taking an overnight boat to the islands. This will put us more in the spirit of adventure anyway.

Yesterday we met with our guide, Linus digim'Rina, head of the Anthro and Sociology Dept at PNG University and originally from Okaibona village in the Trobriands. He's great: relaxed, soft-spoken, engaging and he's done this kind of thing before with some German filmmakers. He also worked closely with Michael Young in his research there. Our first point of business is meeting with the Chief of Milne Bay when we arrive in Alotau. Of interest: The Trobriands is one of the few places in the country that still practices a Chieftancy system. From what we've read from Malinowski & Young, the chief should always be at the highest point and when in his company nobody stands up, sits higher, etc...so he often sits on an elevated platform. Not sure if this is still the case, but we'll keep this in mind.

We don't know if there's internet access in the Trobs - most likely not - but we'll post when we emerge on March 15th.

Thanks for your comments - keep em coming!