Okay, I need to give a big apology for deserting the blog for so long. Hopefully we can get back on track as life settles down and we get back into a routine.
The title of this blog tells of my first impressions of Goroka, the place we are now calling home. Okay maybe not Goroka as a whole but just the roads!
Goroka is a much bigger centre than where we were last based, having a population of about 50,000 people. It seems some days all of those people are out and about on the roads. There are many more cars here than there used to be but there are also a lot of people walking, or should I say dodging cars. It seems to be a bit of a game, with pedestrians not having the right of way they often have to take their lives into their hands to get across the road. Often people will step out into the road first and then look after, giving you a heart attack and themselves as well. I think people are still used to the bush tracks where the traffic is not quite as thick or deadly.
As for the rest of the 'P's. They also all add an element of interest to driving here. You always need to be on the look out for the pig wandering along the side of the road, never quite sure when he will get it into his head to cross the road. There is also an obstacle course of pot holes to be on the look out for, swerve and avoid, while not hitting the oncoming traffic. And of course you alway need to be ready to smile and wave to all of the people hanging out in the back of a PMV(public motor vehicle) as you follow them bumping down the road.
I said to Jay the other day we will be so bored to drive when we go home we wouldn't need to pay attention, or maybe just not be on high alert!
Mel for the Marshes
The title of this blog tells of my first impressions of Goroka, the place we are now calling home. Okay maybe not Goroka as a whole but just the roads!
Goroka is a much bigger centre than where we were last based, having a population of about 50,000 people. It seems some days all of those people are out and about on the roads. There are many more cars here than there used to be but there are also a lot of people walking, or should I say dodging cars. It seems to be a bit of a game, with pedestrians not having the right of way they often have to take their lives into their hands to get across the road. Often people will step out into the road first and then look after, giving you a heart attack and themselves as well. I think people are still used to the bush tracks where the traffic is not quite as thick or deadly.
As for the rest of the 'P's. They also all add an element of interest to driving here. You always need to be on the look out for the pig wandering along the side of the road, never quite sure when he will get it into his head to cross the road. There is also an obstacle course of pot holes to be on the look out for, swerve and avoid, while not hitting the oncoming traffic. And of course you alway need to be ready to smile and wave to all of the people hanging out in the back of a PMV(public motor vehicle) as you follow them bumping down the road.
I said to Jay the other day we will be so bored to drive when we go home we wouldn't need to pay attention, or maybe just not be on high alert!
Mel for the Marshes
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