25 Apr 2016

Touring the Trobriand Islands

The much anticipated Trobriand Islands were the focus of today’s events, beginning with a hike to Kitava’s United Church. Along the way, we passed numerous stilted palm-woven homes, a school, dogs, chickens, and piglets, and colourful line-drying laundry. As we climbed, dozens of men, women and children passed us in descent carrying baskets atop their heads. Our walk concluded with a refreshing sprinkle of rain as we made our way to the beachside arena for a series of traditional dances adorned with white-feathered headdresses and vibrant red and pink palm skirts. Following the performance, Kitava residents lined the walkways with their homemade wares of ebony-carved bowls, animal figures, shell inlaid mask s and jewellery.

This afternoon, we ferried the Zodiacs through a glistening turquoise bath to Narutu, an idyllic and uninhabited island facing Kitava. Several people remarked on the variant shades of blue surrounding the island. Powder-white beaches and lush green vegetation spilling from the centre, Narutu is that picture-perfect island paradise from our childhood imaginations. And, here we were, soaking up nature in all its glory with no cares in the world but our camera angle as we swam with Neon Damsels and Parrotfish. Later, we joined Chris for a circumnavigation of the island with our binoculars in search of doves and pigeons hidden in the palms.