Mt Hagen Show

Of course living in Mt Hagen you can't avoid the Hagen Show.  Playing 'spot the tourist' is far too easy.   I choked at the K300 (about AU$150) for the pass to the "centre".  I figured that a had seen good "bilas" (traditional dress) at events such as election campaign meetings for free and wasn't going to pay that price to see an act rather than 'Singsing' for a real occasion.

So I opted for the K4 gate pass.  OK I had to look through the wire fence while the "centre pass" people go to be ON the football oval with the performers.  However, I was satisfied with my K4 ticket.

A man did try and get my friends and I to go around and pay a lot more for a centre pass but I resisted.  Another man came and asked me how much I paid for my ticket.  I replied that I had already purchased my ticket at the gate.  I insisted and I held him at bay.  Fortunately, I knew the man working on the gate.  I also strongly told this man I didn't need to enter into any further conversation with him because he was not an official (I had noticed that officials were wearing shirts labelled "Official 2012 Mt Hagen Show" on the pocket).  He then turned around so I could read the back of his shirt....oops it read "Official 2012 Mt Hagen Show".  Humble pie for lunch but I still told him to go and talk to the guy on the gate.  I never saw him again.

2013, once again I bought a K4 gate pass and this year no dramas :-)  I must say the 'Singsing' at the Prime Minister's visit was pretty similar to Mt Hagen Show with no fences or fees.

If you are coming here to see the show it may be worth the K300 but if you are spending considerable time in PNG - find a real 'Singsing' to visit.

In 2014, we paid a "local" fee to slip into the centre and there were many more cultural groups this year and it was great to be in amongst it.

Kompiam

I took a short plane fight on MAF to Kompiam to visit Dr Dave and his family upon their invitation.  Dr Dave overseas the work at Kompiam Hospital where you can volunteer . There is one regular flight a week, on Monday.  So I flew out the first Monday of school holidays and returned the second Monday. Check with MAF for flights as they do change.

I had a relaxing week where I got to paddle in the freezing cold river and hike a mountain with the Dukes, a volunteer couple.  They also allowed me to sleep at their house and cooked a yummy meal.  As far as I know there isn't a guesthouse at Kompiam.  So travel to Kompiam is definitely on a 'who you know' basis.

2014 update: There is a new guesthouse next to hospital.

First Hike - Kuta

Destination: Mt Kuta
Closest town: Mt Hagen
Accommodation:Nil
Cost: Nil
Difficulty: Fairly easy, some fitness required.

After moving to Mt Hagen to be Principal of Highlands Christian Grammar.  I was keen to do some mountain climbing.  My first hike in PNG was up Kuta and over to a coffee plantation, Korgua, owned by one of the parents from school, Bryan Leahy.  His Dad is famous in the Highlands as a pioneer in the area. Bryan gave us a few history lessons along the way.  Most interesting.  Check out coffee from Bryan's plantations. Swing coffee, Soltura Coffee, FiddleHeads Coffee.

It was a clear day with some good views.

I've done variations of this hike since. Up the mountain and down again.  Up and down the back way past Holy Trinity Teacher's College.  Even attempted to run up, ONCE.