Native Culture: Trobriand Islands (PNG).
The islands (note plural) of Papua New Guinea deliver some of the
most fascinating and hypnotic cultural and indigenous experiences
anywhere on our planet. From the wild and mysterious huli wig
men, mud men and duk duks, the tribal diversity and sheer visual
spectacular of PNG is sometimes matched, but never surpassed.
Just to the north of the eastern-most tip of the mainland, into the
Solomon Sea, are the Trobriand Islands, a fabled land of sorcery,
black magic and entrancing damsels to rival the Tahitians. And
binding the many outer islands together is the ancient and secret art
of kula.
Medang-based Melanesian anthropologist, Dr Nancy Sullivan,
explains:
“Kula is nothing if not a game of influence. And, just as women
will achieve reputations for being alluring and influential, men gain
renown for their skill at kula.
Indeed, in a matrilineal society, where land and titles are reckoned
through the mothers and sisters of a family, and where men work
for their nieces and nephews rather than their own children, it is kula
that makes men famous. They gain status in life and live through
history by their achievements at kula. And with the valuables they
have worked so hard to win–but which must eventually be traded
away–men will decorate their sons and daughters for ceremonial
occasions.
In this way, while bequeathing them nothing, they give them the
gift of adornment and beauty, and in so doing provide that very
important edge in the competitive art of persuasion.”
Nancy regularly travels as a guest lecturer aboard Coral Princess
journeys to PNG. See also Orion Expeditions and North Star Cruises
for more great itineraries and of course, P&O’s historic return.
Parties and Nightlife: Whitehaven Beach (Qld)
Let’s face it, parties and cruise ships go hand in hand, so if you’re
looking for the place to find the ultimate beach party, then it has to
be right here in tropical Queensland on glorious Whitehaven Beach.
Just once each year, usually in late August to coincide with the Audi
Hamilton Island Race Week, Whitehaven Beach on idyllic Whitsunday
Island “goes off!”
Sydney-based celebrity journalist and socialite, Jacqui Lang, says:
“It’s a sun drenched, afternoon of riotous fun and frivolity on one
of the best beaches in the world. It just has to be the greatest beach
party in the Southern Hemisphere. If you came to the Whitsundays
for peace, quiet and tropical tranquillity, then you’d better stay well
clear!”
Originally an informal afternoon of ‘drinkies’ for the yachtsmen
on layday, the word soon got out and the legend grew in line with
the rumours. Some will say the original relaxed concept has been
perverted, but certainly not the hundreds of sunlovers who party
there all afternoon – and into the night. Oh, the hangovers & sunburn!
For those not so inclined, nearby Hamilton Island has a superb
range of eateries for all budgets where you cam enjoy a plate of
prawns and a crisp chardonnay any time you like.
P&O Cruises are regular visitors to Hamilton Island and the
Whitsundays and there’s even locally-based companies available for
day tours.
