Return of the Buai

After 10 weeks shoving things in and out of my backpack, I returned to Madang. No worries of an anticlimax when returning to PNG. My arrival was just as eventful as my departure. Militia border control and a corrupt Minister had Vanimo town in an uproar. No buses were running and I was in fear of being stuck at the border in the cross fire. Luckily the Chinese logging company was returning from Jayapura and I was able to hop in the back of their land cruiser filled with cakes for the Chinese New Year celebrations in Vanimo.

I was in a euphoria upon my return. Indonesia and Malaysia's beauty does not compare to the pure, untouched wonders of Papua New Guinea. The sounds and smells were returning, the coconut factory, the salt in the air, the flying foxes, the heady flowers, the distinct smell of hot Papua New Guineans. I felt the urge to chew beetle nut and felt my bilum obsession return as I saw the beautiful patterns and bright colors.

School resumes next Monday. I have a week to scrub the mold off my couch cushions and the inches of dust covering the walls and floors. I'll restock my fridge and cabinets, try to learn the names of my new neighbors who have filled the complex during the 2 months I was away, and mentally prepare for the 5 months left of my placement.