The TSN Turning Point

We've been back in PNG for 2 weeks now and our transition has gone very smoothly. There are a few reasons for that, one of which is a much improved grocery store. A few months ago I wrote about a new grocery store opening in Port Moresby which had a definite effect on the existing store. They have improved their layout and selection. I've been able to get good tomatoes everyday and I've even found spinach and asparagus.

Another big reason is that 4 new restaurants in the Harbourside area have opened, so our dining options have improved greatly. The weather is slowly getting back to normal as well. After drought like conditions for over a year due to the El Nino, we are getting showers late in the afternoon on most days. The amount of rain should increase from now until February when the true rainy season will be in place.

The main reason for our improved life however, is our improved social life, thanks in most part to our friends Melissa and Allan. They are from Fort Frances Ontario originally, but like us, they have lived in Halifax and Calgary, among other places. Melissa works for an oil company and Allan is in early retirement, also like me except he takes care of their daughter Sienna. They are great people and we became friends instantly. Recently Melissa and Allan bought a gorgeous boat and Melissa refers to getting the boat as the TSN Turning Point in their time in PNG. Everything is now split between the time before the boat and the time after the boat. We got to enjoy their inaugural cruise this weekend when we went to a small island just outside of Port Moresby harbour called Fisherman's Island and  spent the day out there on Saturday.

Melissa put on a good spread

and of course we had a few tasty beverages.

Sienna is a cutie who has taken to life in PNG without hesitation.

There is a small shanty town on the island where some fisherman and their families live.

All of a sudden we saw several of them sprinting along the beach with their nets trying to get ahead of a school of fish swimming along the shore. They did manage to haul in a large catch which they promptly loaded into a cooler on a small boat and headed into Port Moresby to sell them.

Everyone in the village was so happy, especially the kids who were dancing and cheering on the beach.

It was the first time that we felt freedom in Port Moresby because we didn't have to rely on a driver to shuttle us around or worry about our security. It truly is the TSN Turning Point. Thanks again to Melissa and Al and Sienna for a great day.

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Back to Reality

Our time in Canada has come to a close. We leave tomorrow afternoon for our long journey to Papua New Guinea. We had a fantastic time while we were home. This was the first time in 4 years that we were in Canada during the fall and it was beautiful. Lori and I went on a couple of great hikes on the East Coast Trail. This was near Pouch Cove.

And this was by Cape Spear.

 It was blueberry season so we were able to pick some while we were hiking.

We also went for a couple of walks in the city. This is along the Waterford River in St. John's.

The main reason we were back at this time of year was to attend a wedding. Lori's cousin got married and it was a beautiful ceremony at the bride's parents house.

I'm not sure when I'll post again, but I do know that I'll be wearing shorts when I do. Talk to you soon.

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Downtown St. John's

Lori has been in St. John's for about a week and a half now and it's been a lot of fun. Like a typical trip home, she had appointments and errands to take care of and of course we've been running through the list of foods we have to have when we come back - Jiggs Dinner, Fish n' Chips, Bologna and Toutons.

This past weekend we took a small vacation within our vacation and stayed in a hotel downtown so we could enjoy our time out and not worry about getting home. The hotel had a beautiful view of Signal Hill and the narrows.

On Thursday night we went out for dinner at Raymonds and it was fantastic. It has become one of our must do's when we come home now. Then on Friday night we went to the Mile One Centre to see Jerry Seinfeld perform.

The show was really, really good. Mario Joyner was the warm-up act and he was very funny as well. It was a great weekend.

It's amazing how fast time passes while we are here. We only have 10 days before we leave for Port Moresby, so we are trying to get everything in before our flight.

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