|
|
Post by cabintom on Dec 14, 2015 20:52:10 GMT
I suppose it depends where you go and who you know. and your own personal level of comfort with "danger". Some of the NGOs here in town really strike fear into their expat workers by not allowing them to leave their walled compounds unless accompanied by a guard. A woman from one NGO came knocking on my door one time last year. She was looking for someone else, and I'm not sure where her guard was, but she was clearly distraught about being out in the open (I don't have a wall around my yard). It was a strange experience for me because my perceived danger level in my own yard hovers at about 0 on any given day, but here this lady was looking like she believed she might get shot or mugged right there on my doorstep. All that to say, that lady probably returned to the West believing that Bunia is among the most dangerous places in Africa, whereas on a practically weekly basis I have street boys bringing me around the dangerous places of the city to show me where the other homeless youth are living... and I've rarely felt very unsafe doing that. |
|
|
|
Post by cabintom on Dec 14, 2015 20:56:01 GMT
... I should add that my boss has pointed out to me that ignorance creates a false sense of security. So maybe there's that.
|
|
|
|
Post by exoticimports on Dec 15, 2015 16:42:42 GMT
Although you are unlikely to meet cannibals in Papua today, that country is often mentioned as being an unsafe place to visit. In saying this, someone who visits both Papua and the Bismarck Islands, mentions that the dangers are often greatly exaggerated. I suppose it depends where you go and who you know.
I used to believe that. However, looking back now and having had a chance to put my experiences into a run-of-the-mill western perspective, the dangers are very real. Malaria and dengue are rampant. Food-borne illnesses are common, even in "hotels". Apendicitis or heart attack? You're done. Wounds infect and don't heal. I can't say how many times I collected near crocodile runs and wondered where the croc was. I wades streams known to have salties. The natives too can still be dangerous- break a taboo and it could be a machete for you. Now, some 10 years after I spent so much time in Melanesia, most of my local friends are dead, victims of violence, disease, lack of medical care, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by wollastoni on Dec 15, 2015 17:56:54 GMT
Rather agree.
Though, it is very different to do a one-month collecting trip with a guide, or to live there for real.
In a collecting trip well organized, it is not so risky if you know the right people and the right places to go.
Living in PNG is another debate, ask Michael Hudson...
I won't open a political debate but PNG would be a far better place if it was still German, English or Australian.
|
|
|
|
Post by nomad on Dec 15, 2015 18:16:15 GMT
I see John Tennent is in Papua. There are still regular well organized Bird Watching trips to Papua. Quite a lot actually. www.rockjumperbirding.com/tours/destinations/papua-new-guineaFor £1800 pounds = 2480 euros you can walk the rough tough Kokoda trail crossing the Owen Stangley Range on a several week trip with an Australian trekking company with experienced guides. However this is really a WII highlights tour, whatever they are. There would be little time for butterfly collecting in any single location. www.kokodatrail.com.au/ |
|
