Port Moresby to Singapore

Thursday, April 10, 08
At 10:45, I take a taxi to the Holiday Inn, one of the few places in town that offers internet access. The gates and fence are impressive. there is a Business Center where I am now writing. Being a white skin does have its privilege, and I'll take it. With 4 1/2 hours till my flight leaves, I have taken up residence pool side. I'll spend 2 hours here, have some lunch, and then taxi to the airport where I'll wait out the remainder. My IPod is coming in handy on such lengthy waits. With adapters for three and two prongs, I can recharge my items which need to be; razor, IPod, Palm Pilot. When asked which room I'm in , I simply reply that I'm already checked out. Works every time! And the longer they see me, the more I belong.
2:30 - Port Moresby International Airport - Having hung around the Holiday Inn for 2 hours, the van drivers asks if I am going to the airport. Yep! Get in. So, I do!
Over the Java Sea, sitting in an aisle, exit seat, my neighbor, Nick, who is a Brit who works logistics in Buka, Bougainville, for the police department, spills a small glass of red wine on my left arm and lap. That will need washing out in Singapore. We land, visa, collect backpack, and pass customs. Any laptop is thoroughly investigated for porn. Penalties are high for porn, drugs, and chewing gum is not permitted. Boy, do they have their priorities straight!
Already 9:30, I'm feeling nervous about the hour and finding lodging. So, I spend taxi money and arrive at a prospective site. Taxi leaves. I walk the 3 flights up and find the place is full. The helpful, sleeping, till I awoke him, receptionist, sends me up the street. Hope may be on Rochor Rd, a few blocks of walking. I have 12 kg on my back and 4 kg on my front day pack. I've down sized and am carrying the minimum. Now after 10:00, I walk, and walk, and notice a sign, Bugis Backpackers Hostel. Not what I am looking for, but I'm not picky. Three flights up, why always 3 and 4 flights, an Oriental woman lets me in the bolted door and says, 38 Singapore Dollars, around $28USD. Happy for a spot, I am bunking with 2 German young men who have been to Thailand. Looking for information, I have a conversation in the sitting room with a German and Japanese woman. They are no help in getting out of town. I return to the room and talk till late with the fine young German gentlemen.