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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