Vessel: SH Minerva
Location: Manam Island PNG
Itinerary: Wild Eden of Papua New Guinea
Prepare for boarders!
Even with the worst of Cyclone Maila behind us, some residual effects linger. Consequently, the seas were again too rough for a safe landing at Manam Island, much to the dismay of our resident volcanologist, Professor Brent, who had his heart set on going ashore on the still-active volcano.
Instead, in a plan so cunning even Baldrick would be proud, EL Nicki and Captain Sven determined that if we couldn't go to the volcano, then we would bring the volcano to us! Okay, so there may have been some tiny flaws in that scenario, but not to be outdone, almost 80 Manam Islanders were packed into little boats and bravely ferried aboard amid the persistent swell.
 |
| Manam Islanders of all ages enthralled guests - and themselves - in a mutual enrichment (RE) |
What ensued was simply controlled mayhem, much to the delight of all concerned. Gathered in the Deck 7 Observation Lounge, several performances took place with dancing, chanting and the beating of drums. Of particular delight was the reaction of the young children who seldom see Europeans, much less come aboard huge ocean-going cruise ships. Elevators, TV screens, and two-way radios were a fascination, and the eye-popping amazement at some of the buffet treats was a sight to behold.
 |
| Captain Sven receives a goodwill gift from the Manam Islanders (RE) |
Swan Hellenic Expedition Manager, Jane Wilson, tried to take a back seat to the proceedings, but stood aside watching the pandemonium with some poorly stifled pride. “This is the true spirit of expedition cruising,” she later told me, deferring the credit to Nicki and her team.
ABOUT MANAM ISLAND
Rising steeply from the Bismarck Sea off the north coast of Madang Province, Manam Island is one of Papua New Guinea’s most active and visually striking volcanoes. The near-perfect cone-shaped stratovolcano dominates the island, with twin summit craters and deep radial valleys that funnel lava flows directly to the sea.
Eruptions are frequent and often dramatic. Major events in recent decades have forced repeated evacuations, displacing thousands of residents to the mainland. Despite this volatility, Manam remains populated, a testament to both the fertility of its volcanic soils and the deep cultural attachment of its people to ancestral land.
Communities on Manam live with constant risk, maintaining gardens of taro, banana and coconut on the island’s lower slopes while monitoring the mountain’s moods. Villages are organised along traditional clan lines, with strong kinship ties guiding social life and relocation decisions during eruptions.
No comments:
Post a Comment