Saturday, August 13, 2022

SPECIAL MEMORIES…SPECIAL MOMENTS…A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

 



23rd July, 2022 came, and, it went…but the precious memories the date aroused within me remain; memories of a special few days in my life. 

In July, 1987 the Queensland Tourism & Travel Corporation aka “QTTC” decided to send a tourism delegation to Port Moresby. It would be the first of its kind to venture into the uncharted territory of our northern neighbour. Nine representatives… seven men, and two women (I was one of the latter variety) were chosen to promote their ‘product’.  At the time I was manager of the then Cape Richards Resort on Hinchinbrook Island.  My role was to represent the Hinchinbrook, Cardwell and Johnstone Shires.

During our Port Moresby adventure Papua New Guinea’s Remembrance Day, 23rd July, fell.  The organisers of our visit had not been informed a Public Holiday would steal a working day from the tourism mission.  As it turned out, I was, and still am glad the fact had been overlooked. The Avis Area Manager invited the group to join him in the Avis Tarago for a trip to the start of the Kokoda Trail/Track on the 23rd.  We eagerly accepted his offer.  

Firstly, after departing Port Moresby the following morning, we visited the historic Bomana War Cemetery, situated just outside the city limits, on the road to Sogeri, which is the starting point of the Kokoda Track. Disembarking at Bomana an atmosphere of respect and deep sorrow filled the air. Somberly, lost in reverie, with tear-filled eyes, the group separated to wander alone through the beautifully maintained cemetery. No words were needed. Words would’ve been superfluous.  

Upon leaving Bomana we commenced the climb up the winding range to the Sogeri Plateau, which is around 800m above sea level, and 46kms from Moresby. Halfway up the range we spotted a Papua New Guinea “warrior” dressed in decorative attire standing out on an escarpment. Pulling to a halt, we leapt out of the vehicle and went over to him. Smiling gallantly in his colourful make-up and feathered head-dress, the “warrior” said we could take his photo for 5 kinas a pop. We each paid him accordingly. The trick was, we used our cameras and films. As we clicked away, the smile on the canny” warrior’s” face betrayed his thoughts: “Sucker tourists!” 

One of our astute “sucker tourists” said, “Did you notice his watch?  It was a Rolex! His BMW was probably parked around the corner!”  We laughed.  Good on him; we didn’t care.  The “warrior’s” appearance added to our fascinating experience. 

Awed by the magnificence of the scenery along the way, we finally reached the Kokoda Inn, which is at the beginning of the Kokoda Trail.  Pinned to the wall behind the primitive, but atmospheric bar were hundreds of monetary notes from over the years, from many countries; mainly notes from Australia, Britain and the USA. Fascinated, we didn’t hold back with our myriad questions about Kokoda and its history. PNG Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the first engagement between the opposing troops…the Aussies and the Japanese…on 23rd July, 1942.  The Australian force was outnumbered as the long fight withdrawing over the Owen Stanley Ranges began.  

Kokoda became Australia’s most significant campaign of the Second World War.  More Australians died during the campaign than in any other during the war. The average age of our brave soldiers was between 18 and 19 years. Many of those young men lie buried in the Bomana War Cemetery.  The compassion and care shown by the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, the local villagers who carried and cared for wounded and sick Aussie soldiers, taking them to areas of safety, will always be remembered and admired.  The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels will forever be respected for their brave, selfless deeds.

I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit Port Moresby and its surrounds. Among the sombreness we also enjoyed many light-hearted moments. A few incidents at our hotel would’ve given “Fawlty Towers” a decent run for the money. “Manuel” had a couple of local waiters competing for his job…but those are tales for another day….

 


14 comments:

  1. What an amazing experience.

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    1. It certainly was, EC...

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  2. The mention and picture of the Bonama cemetery filled me with sadness.
    The story about the 'warrior's' Rolex watch, reminded me of a regular beggar I once spotted at a table in a fine restaurant, not in the town of his 'working' territory (I mentioned that in one of my posts).

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    1. G'day, DUTA...visiting Bomana Cemetery was an emotion-filled experience, indeed.

      The warrior brightened our day in so many ways. :)

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  3. Native gear and a rolex really don't go together, big fashion mistake there for him. Glad you all got a smile from it though and he made a few dollars.

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    1. We didn't begrudge him his efforts to earn a living, River. Good on him, I say. :) His appearance and parlay with us lifted our moods greatly after our quiet, sombre moments of reverence spent at Bomana Cemetery.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  4. That must have been a highlight of your life. Lovely memory to have Lee.

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    1. The few days I spent there were special...and memorable, Margaret.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  5. So glad you got to visit Port Moresby.

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    1. So am I, Sandra. It was a very interesting trip, one I knew I'd most likely never have the chance to do again.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  6. Hi Lee, One of my uncles returned from the Kokoda Trail a mere shadow of his former self and never really recovered. As did one of our neighbours when I grew up. That man died 10 years later leaving his widow to raise 6 children on her own. That place must be part of the history of so many Australians! That must have been a wonderful experience for you. Thank you for telling us about it.

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    1. Hey there, Pauline. There are many stories out of Kokoda...heartbreaking stories...events that altered the lives of many...stole the lives of many.

      I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit PNG...it was something I never thought I would do...and something I've never regretted.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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  7. What a brilliant trip. I would have laughed at the Rolex too and been glad he had one - why not? Nobody can say that outfit isnt a USP! When you mentioned Fawlty Towers I imagined a couple of press trips I went on. As you say tales for another time, perhaps after a few drinks

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    1. G'day, Jenny. It was a brilliant trip...a real eye-opener, I'm so glad I got the opportunity to partake, It all came about so quickly. Amongst the sombre moments there were many laughs. A fascinating part of our world.

      Thanks for coming by...take good care. :)

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