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Published on 4th October 2010
MIKE'S POST 8: Salama. Peace. Although this word is Arabic, it is often used in the coastal regions of Tanzania since Tanzania and especially the spice island of Zanzibar have a rich Arabic history. The word ‘peace’ is used by everyone from Jesus to Miss Universe. It is thrown liberally... Read More
Published on 22nd September 2010
ALICE'S POST 8: Last weekend was an historic one for the Rabaul-Kokopo area of East New Britain. Not only was its PNG’s 35th anniversary of independence on Thursday 16 September, but Friday 17 September was the anniversary of the 1994 twin volcanic eruption which covered Rabaul in thick grey dust... Read More
Published on 20th September 2010
SAM'S POST 7: September has been a busy month for everyone at Winter Rose. One of the reasons for this has been the arrival of six Maori students and their film crew from New Zealand. The students are here for three weeks, creating a documentary that is part of a... Read More
Published on 20th September 2010
SAM'S POST 6: Since the beginning of September, Winter Rose sports club has started introducing some dramatic changes. Thanks largely to some substantial funding, the current grounds are being redeveloped, diversifying the club in numerous ways. Read More
Published on 9th September 2010
MIKE'S POST 7: Niaje? I don’t even know the translation for that one, however no one looks at me sideways when I use it, so I’m sure it’s not offensive. Read More
Published on 9th September 2010
ALICE'S POST 7: It’s amazing what a bit of rain can do – in what feels like a matter of days the stalls at the market have multiplied – with dozens of Mamas selling giant mangoes that have just come into season and I’m told this is just the beginning. Read More
Published on 27th August 2010
MIKE'S POST 6: Umelalaje? How did you sleep? I haven’t figured out how to respond ‘like a log’ yet, but I’m working on it. Read More
Published on 23rd August 2010
MIKE'S POST 5: Mnaendelaje? How are you going? I’m great, thanks for asking. Read More
Published on 20th August 2010
SAM'S POST 5: Aside from work, the Eastern Cape here in South Africa offers a great variety of adventures to undertake over the long weekends. I have been lucky enough to have had a few opportunities to get away from East London and see the country side. Read More
Published on 20th August 2010
ALICE'S POST 6: I’ve never seen so much green! As we slowly climbed higher into Baining territory I was given two pieces of advice. The first being watch out for the cannibals (accompanied by a cheeky smile to see if they had scared me) and second being don’t forget to... Read More
"Hi Michaela, I'm living in Kokopo in East New Britain. Everybody tells me it's one of the safest places in PNG and I certainly feel safe - especially now that everyone knows me and I have a good group of friends, workmates and families who take amazing care of me! The usual safety risks and warnings apply but you just have to keep these warnings in mind. You certainly can't walk the streets at night like you can in NZ!" - Alice
"i just wonder where in PNG you are. We are looking at going to Ne Britain Do you feel safe there?" - Michaela
"This is great, Alice - glad to hear you're having fun as well as working hard! As for the picture, I can hardly tell how it stays on the wearer's head!" - Lucy Coghill
"Hi Kim. We are teaching many different methods at the moment - all of them organic. One of the main things we are teaching people is double digging. Basically it involves digging your vegetable bed down to three feet, and adding a layer of compost for each foot. This allows much needed nutrients to be returned to the soil, and for aeration. We also teach integrated pest management and crop rotation among other things" - Mike