Life in Papua

Monday, Feb. 25, 08
Our internet connection has been off and on. Dial up is the best we have. Our problems range from no electricity to a dead phone line. At the moment, I am typing on a computer which has electrical power, AC is running, but the lights won't work. Since I wrote a few things on a piece of paper, and need to read them, I have a small flashlight in my mouth illuminating my writings. Yesterday, as we left Iain's office, he caught sight of something in the trash basket and pulls up a small gecko caught in the adhesive of an envelope flap. When the feet, tail, and legs can't be pulled free, Iain takes the gecko into the backroom and runs water on the stuck areas. Freed, the gecko is placed outside. Geckos are everywhere.
Things to keep in mind:
- Ice tea is hot tea with some ice. It never makes it past cool.
- Betelnut is chewed as a stimulant and leaves the mouth red. It is so acidic that continued use will burn off tooth enamel. The red spit is on every roadway and walkway.
- Getting around is by taksi (mini-bus) or an Ojek (motorbike). Sitting on the back can be precarious. Sudden stops and starts put a jerk into the ride - dangerous in traffic.
- Stairs are not uniform. they vary in heighth and depth - watch your step.
- Ordinarily in restaurants, a menu and piece of paper are supplied to write your request. This is handed to the server.
- American Special Forces have trained special Indo units which are terrorizing and killing Papuans. Here I make the distinction between Indos and Papuans. In their own country, they have become second class citizens. No word of such tragedies is allow out. No journalists are allowed in. A certain US Representative arrived to investigate the disturbing reports. He was allowed 3 hours in Jayapura, not allowed to speak with anyone, and left in a huff. I can say no more on this subject - not our finest hour.
Today is a visit to the police station to obtain a pass into the interior. After three tries, not here, there, no there, no there, we arrive 30 minutes later at the Department of Travel. The controller asks me for a pen, he has none. Thankfully, I get it back. Although, it would have been a simple "gift". I help translate for a French man who is struggling with his English. Wait! Wait! Questions of how long do we want to stay and how long they will permit. Wait! Wait! 20000 rp ($2) are requested. Shake hands all around and say Terima Kasih (Thank you) and the deed is done. Tomorrow, I'm allowed into Wamena and environs till March 18.