Boarding a full plane in Melbourne for Papua New Guinea, it appeared that a lot of People were going there, which gave the feeling of normality.  Arriving however, only three of us got off, as the rest continued onward to Manila.  Perhaps, I should of taken that as an omen of what my next couple of months would encounter. 

From the airport in dusty Port Moresby it was just a quick bike ride into town.  My first impression was not good.  I  discovered that PNG is not a country of cheap hotels and restaurants.   Here in 1989 no real urban culture had developed, so street life and night life were virtually non-existent.  Mainly there was the local 'yacht' club, frequented by the Hash House Harriers, (an international running group) but that was it.  But never judge a country by its capital!  - 1989