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Adoption
10:29 AM, Friday, 12 May, 2006
I simply can not believe how many wonderful people I have already met in just four and a half weeks in this country. I have literally been adopted by so many people at the university, from the ladies in the Kofi Haus to the Social Work, Political Science, Student Services and Enrichment departments. That's not to mention all of the other people outside my work, both nationals and expats, who have made me feel so welcome.
There are so many horror stories about PNG, and particularly about Port Moresby, circulating around Australia. Whilst security restrictions are certainly necessary, I can't understand why the only impression that Australians have is of an anarchic hell-hole where every step you take outside of your compound is a risk to your life.
Sure, the opportunistic crime rate here is huge and the levels of domestic violence and rape are some of the highest in the world. Yes, the UN is now trying to reclassify PNG as 'least developed country' from 'developing country', in it's scale of development. I'm not downplaying the extraordinary problems of poverty, violence and corruption that this country is facing. Still, the number of well-meaning people who tried to dissuade me from coming here, most of whom have never been anywhere near a developing country, was simply preposterous!!!
This was going to be an entry about how wonderful people here are, and it has turned into a rant. Apologies for that, but it is quite frustrating. I think my point is that whilst it's not a particularly safe country, that doesn't mean that it or the people suck. They are actually quite cool. So if you can cope with having to live in a secure compound as well as seeing abject poverty, the occasional fight (bushknives waving), lots of crazy drivers and the ubiquitous buai spitting - get over it and come see how wonderful it is here.
note - having said all of that and had my little rant, it's really not for the faint-hearted. They don't call it 'The Land of the Unexpected' for no reason, and that includes references to the frequency of electricity, water, services and sanity!
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Comments
When someone is coming up against such a big move, every single man and his dog are going to give their opinion on what you should do, whether you want it or not - you, of all people, are the best equipped to tell them to stick it where it fits and look adorable at the same time. hehe.
Posted by: Katia ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.pinkukulele.com/nav-commenters.gif)
| May 12, 2006 5:14 PM
Since when have you let what anyone else thinks stand between you and what is right for you. Go for it and keep ranting!
Posted by: Sabine | May 15, 2006 11:27 AM
It wouldn't be much of an adventure if everyone approved, would it?
Posted by: Susanna | May 16, 2006 2:18 PM