09.2015 Ambua

We flew from Port Moresby to Tari and then by car for a short distance for Ambua. Ambua means yellow mud in the local language. We did see men painted yellow with local mud who performed for a "singsing". There was a lot of commotion at the lodge as a parliamentary person who was just released from prison was making his rounds to let everyone know he paid he dues for robbing the public of tens of thousands of dollars. He was able to keep his position in government - somewhat unbelievable but true.  Had read about it in the newspaper before leaving for Ambua. There was also a judge and a few lawyers there because of a land dispute claim. Land disputes seem to be very common. So I must say my birding in this area did not go as planned. But I did do a few trips in the early morning and late afternoon, walked to a few waterfalls and generally enjoyed the beautiful gardens and view. The staff here were lovely. And I did see a blue bird of paradise.

View of the countryside from the airplane.

Huli wigman waiting to board the plane for a flight from Tari to Port Moresby.

Huli Wigman.

Funeral building along the road which may be the burial site of someome killed by a traffic accident or from a tribal war. Relatives are buried close to the home, not along  the roadside.

Local women carry basket on the head. These are the common dresses now. They do not wear the older traditional grass skirts.

Ambua Lodge and flower gardens.

 

There will be more pictures of the wigman and singsings and birds to come!