03 May 2016

A celebration at Lablab

Today was our last day aboard Spirit of Enderby in Papua New Guinea, and what a finale it’s been. We spent both our morning and afternoon in the village of Lablab. A larger community with cell service, this village had received advanced notice of our arrival and had prepared extensively for the visit. As we motored to shore in Zodiacs, a welcoming committee of children lined up on the pier, and just beyond them, the field was ablaze with activity: drumming, circling dancers in traditional garb, dogs, artisans and a proud PNG flagpole. Two men in black body paint and elaborate headdresses with spears welcomed us at the dock. And the walkway leading to the field was decorated with arching palm fronds. We were led to the far end of the pier, into what looked to be an unloading zone for cargo. The dancers slowly made their way towards us…chanting and marching in synchronised movements. Once they reached us, they pivoted and the Chief invited us to follow them in procession back to the field. “This is how we show respect to you!!!” he called from his megaphone. What an honour this was. This small gesture spoke volumes, saying “Welcome friends, come and join us and let us share with you our cherished traditions.” After the welcome performance, we split into groups for our morning excursions: birdwatching hike with Chris, waterfall walk and swim with Martin, or village and school visit with Nathan.

This afternoon after lunch we returned to Lablab for a formal celebration of singing and dancing. Mind-blowing to say the least. It felt as though we were part of a private ceremony or festival…but then realised that this was all for us. We were all so moved by their welcome, smiles, and genuine excitement to share their culture. Some of the costumes were otherworldly, and the art and goods for sale (masks, baskets, paddles, bowls…) were all beautifully made and ended up in many of our backpacks. I don’t think we could have imagined a better way to conclude our adventure through remote gems of Papua New Guinea.

We will now say goodbye to our home for the last two weeks, the Spirit of Enderby, as she sets sail for Russia, in order to start our season in the Russian Far East on the 27th May with our Russia's Ring of Fire expedition.