26 Apr 2016

Misama Island: A very special invitation....

Each day of this adventure reveals unexpected treasures, and today by far was no exception. Eiaus Ward, on Misama Island, is home to approximately 2,000 residents. The last time they welcomed visitors by boat was…never.  And other than Canadian gold miners who came some fifteen years ago, the people Eiaus Ward have not been visited by white-skinned people. Immediately following our arrival, traditionally dressed school children honoured us with a drum-accompanied dance. Again different from yesterday’s landing, these costumes were made of grass, palm leaves and plumeria crowns. The local school bus then transported us up the hillside for a trek. While we only spotted a few birds, the views into the ravines were lovely and we enjoyed learning about life in Eiaus Ward from our local guides. After lunch, we returned to the village for a very special event hosted by the local school. If there was a day for us to feel like royalty of the South Pacific, it was today. Row upon row of very well behaved children filled the courtyard. The choir sang a beautiful three-part harmony about education which segued into everyone rising to their feet to belt out the Papua New Guinea national anthem… The Head Mistress and village coordinator spoke, followed by a warm thank you by Nathan our Expedition Leader who presented them with a large bucket of toys and school supplies for the children. And rain. So much glorious warm rain this afternoon! The villagers shared their umbrellas with us as we meandered down to the sea to observe a family baptism to honour a young couple’s first-born son. We followed them back to their home where family members doused them in water, painted their faces and dressed them in traditional attire. Their son was then reintroduced to them, wrapped in leaves. Definitely not something one sees every day! And what an honour that they shared this special moment with us… And if that wasn’t enough, they offered us the most tender pork stew, rice, purple sweet potato, and fruits following the ceremony. And still more tropical rain. The more it fell, the more we smiled from ear to ear. Locals and visitors alike, we were all baptised in the most refreshing downpour. En route back to the bus, we puddle jumped with the kids, exchanged endless thank you’s, hugs and handshakes and wondered how we might be the “second” visitors someday…The children didn’t want us to go—they ran after the vehicle all the way to our Zodiacs and gathered on shore to wave, cheer and jump into the sea in sheer exuberance. What a day.