The first landing into a Papuan village, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard stories of cannibals, pigs and penis gourds. Turning onto final approach into Bugalaga airstrip, I couldn't believe we were going to be landing there! I don't know if we can call this an airstrip, because it looked like we were going to land on the side of the mountain.
This is how it looked like.. at least by the book. It's 5700 feet at the Touch down zone, then it goes up to 5900 feet. To "climb" the last bit of "airstrip" which is 24% of slope, the plane needs a fair bit of power, otherwise the plane will stop and roll backwards. The ground crew don't like a plane going to this airstrip because the plane gets dirty from the mud!
A man dressed in a Koteka (a penis gourd). The length of the koteka indicates a man's rank and influence.
I believe that only a select few people can experience this part of the world. I am blessed and privileged to be part of the select few. It definitely has opened my eyes and heart to the people in Papua, and changed my attitude and gratitude towards the life that I have here.
I love Papua more than yesterday!