Go Pinis

Go Pinis

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Port Moresby

Kia ora from Port Moresby! Supposedly one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but I think its all right. I am currently staying at the Holiday Inn, a nice wee spot central to all government departments and ideal for a cold beer by the pool. Chur.

“Wolfy, what the hell are you doing in a hotel in Moresby?”I hear you ask. Well, I’ve probably already mentioned that I am initiating a review of Bougainville’s development strategy, and that required me coming to Moresby and talking to the National Department of Planning and the National Statistics Office about data they might have and strategic plans they have in place. Going well so far, got a free lunch today so sweet as.

This is my first trip to Moresby and I have to say, its different to any city I have visited. Crime here is pretty bad, car jackings, robbery and the odd stabbing are not uncommon. The only obvious signs that this ain’t like home is a) the barb wire and spiked fences and b) the graffiti. Its everywhere. Its so bad I feel like asking people why they are not doing something about it. I mean it, every fence that can be tagged has been tagged, at least in the areas I have seen. Given that by their own statistics law and order is getting worse every year, this is not very reassuring. Don’t worry though, I’m perfectly safe and have yet to walk more than a two blocks by myself.

All this has got me curious. What is the most dangerous city on earth? Baghdad? Hastings? Kabul? Google tells me that Detroit is the most dangerous city in the US, based on the number of murders, rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, and Eminem impersonators. Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq are listed by Forbes as being the most dangerous countries to visit, so I think we can place Mogadishu, Kabul and Baghdad as some of the most dangerous cities. And, in case you need to add a few more cities to your list, a world wide quality of living survey lists Baghdad as the worst, but that’s no surprise, and also adds Brazzaville in Congo (never heard of it), Bangui in the Central African Republic (never heard of either) and Khartoum in Sudan (flew over it, hope I never land there).

So there ya go, nothing to worry about!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wolf,

Stumbled across your blog because I tracked back a link from your blog to mine. I read up on your past posts and I'll be keeping regular tabs on you.

Saw your blog's title and knew you had to be a Kiwi!

Keep the posts coming - Bougainville is one province in my country where I still have to visit. Not too far away now - hopefully :)

Question: How did you get to Bougainville without flying through POM?

Kabot,

Tavurvur
http://garamut.wordpress.com

Anastácio Soberbo said...

Hello, I like the blog.
It is beautiful.
Sorry not write more, but my English is bad writing.
A hug from Portugal

Jinx said...

Hey!! Keep up the blogging...am from Bougainville but havent got there for the last 15 or so years...am planning to get there for the 2009 re-union of kids that used to go to school at the Bovo Internation and Panguna and Toniva Internation in the 80's...I know its nothing like it used to be but ..home is always where the heart is for everyone....keep up the good work and hope that if I ever get there I will say hi.. cheers

Wolfy said...

Hi all, thank you for your comments.

Kabot, I stayed at the Gateway Hotel for one night on my way through. I don't count that as a night in Moresby :)

Ka kite ano,

Wolf.

Becc said...

Wolf! your blog is getting popular! You're still a loser to me mate...Mind how you refer to Hastings pal - I'm watching you - I read EVERY word...

Unknown said...

A little known fact -
Hastings was in fact settled by Baghdadians in the late 19th century after running out of virgins and tui in their own homeland.

Rebecca McMillan (po_mo) said...

Thinking of you buddy. We are planning another snail mail communication xxx Bex and Bev