Bilum: iconic, hand-made string bag that hangs habitually from some part of every Papua New Guinean’s anatomy. Traditionally, the string was also hand-made, from strips of leaves or grasses dried and twisted into strong fibres. Commonly retained in its natural
Do you know your ‘bilas’ from your ‘asgras’?
We all want to be ‘travellers’ rather than ‘tourists’. One way to achieve this is to show the cultural courtesy of learning a few phrases of the local language. And to join in the laughter with good grace when we
Why Inside the Crocodile?
I’ve been asked several times why I chose Inside the Crocodile as the main title for my recent travel/work memoir. Crocodiles are common in Papua New Guinea’s lowland rivers and they have in many ways become an emblem of the
Frisbee the ‘flying dog’
It could only happen in Papua New Guinea. Frisbee was one of the first ‘people’ I met the day I arrived in the small coastal town of Vanimo, in Sandaun – Papua New Guinea’s remote West Sepik Province. She belonged to
Tips for Creative Travel Writing Part 3
These last five topics – theme, structure, beginnings/endings, voice, and detail – are closely related. Blend them like an exquisite curry and your travelogue will be as tasty and memorable. [If you missed Part 1 it is here, Part