New Guinea

February 21, 2008

We have learned from a lecturer onboard the ship some of the historical significance of the islands in this area. Rabaul Island of Papua New Guinea was occupied by the Japanese during WWII and was a strategic island they used for their attacks on the Allied forces. There are many ruins left here from the War after the Japanese troupes were devastated by Allied attacks. The Japanese exploited the islands and the natives for decades here. Unfortunately, after the war they have not bothered to help rehabilitate and reconstruct the islands. The natives are just as poor as ever.

The island also has a volcano that still actively emits great amounts of smoke and ash since it erupted in 1994 covering what once was the capital city in layers of ash. The native islanders who now remain seem to not be concerned although the volcano is huffing and puffing every day. The lifestyle here is simple and there are still different tribes who from time to time have disagreements. We were supposed to have a tour of the island that included visiting a tribal village; but due to one of these conflicts, this part of the tour was cancelled. Consequently we were able to only view much of the island from a distance. We did have a great view of the volcano from our stateroom and enjoyed watching it much of the afternoon. Every few minutes the volcano would roar with loud and deep rumbling noise while spewing out a thick and white smoke many meters high.

We will be at sea for two days and then arrive at the island of Chuuk. These sea days have been calm and from time to time we can see other islands as we are headed north.
We are still learning how to play the game of bridge while at sea. We also go to lectures about the islands, people and their cultures. Quite educational. Each night there is an entertainment program. Until this week there was never an entertainer that we knew who it was. Well last night the entertainer was Marty Allen and his wife. We did not know he was still alive!. Age 82. Some of you might recognize his name. He still looks much the same with wild hair that is still black! He was quite entertaining actually and his wife is an excellent singer and straight man for Allen’s comedy act. We also have met lots of fellow travelers, most of whom are from the US, but also from Canada, Australia, UK and France, etc.