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Walking sticks were specially carved and given to the Lady Kidu, Peter Allen and the relatives to help them achieve their dream of reaching the crash site. They knew it was going to be a tough walk but they battled on and reached Haila Village.
It was a tough walk for Lady Carol Kidu. She laughed as she told me she was pulled from the front and pushed from the back at some stages but hey she toughed it out and completed her walk so full credit to her.
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Lady_Kidu_tough_walk.jpgThe people of Haila Village greeted their guests with such honour and shared their humble homes with them. Our group carried with them tents but the people of the village gave up their homes and allowed them to sleep inside. All the group were touched by this and it was mentioned a couple of times. The people of the village sang to them along with their children. As a mark of sorrow black marks were painted onto their faces.
Once again, the village put on a feast for them so no-one on this walk went hungry.
Following tradition, Lady Carol Kidu and ourselves arranged for food to be carried to the village in the form of a thank you for their help in helping to clear the crash site and for taking care of the area. The people of the village feel that is their responsibility and have planted flowers and other shrubs. I am led to believe they suggested to relatives to pick some plants and take with them to plant at the crash site in honour of their loved ones.
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Lady_Kidu_kisses_a_child.jpgThe following morning after breakfast the group made their way up the mountain to the crash site where they planted their plants and erected a plaque which stated all the names of those killed in the Airlines PNG flight on the 11th August 2009.
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Singing_songs.jpgJohn Derick Eroro walked with a black headband in memory of his late brother Kingsley. Dominic and him both reflected at the crash site. John and other family members have often made this walk. Kingsley's son Emmanuel walked from their family block on the 11th August up and back in respect of his father. Some children have written letters and placed at the area where they found Kingsley. In their culture, all males on their fathers side are referred to as Daddy. Only on their mothers side are Uncles/cousins referred to in this manner.
All men are considered brothers like they belong to one big family.
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Letter_to_Kingsley.jpgOn the afternoon of the 11th August the group made their way down off the mountain back to Kanadara Village where we had our vehicle waiting for them. They looked happy as they had accomplished what they set out to do. Whilst waiting for their return, the people of Kanadara Village were rehearsing their sing sing welcome.
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Sing_Sing_welcome.jpgSuddenly a runner appeared who it turned out was the brother of the councillor Paul Esiko by the name of Jonathan. He informed everyone that they were only a few minutes away. Quickly everyone got into position to welcome them all off the mountain. A chair was placed inside the welcome area where Lady Carol Kidu was expected to sit so she could be hoisted in the air and carried into their village welcoming area. The excitement in the air was electric as women and children hurried around waiting to get a glimpse of the party returning off the mountain.
In the distance we could see the group approaching!
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walk_to_the_crash_site_return_to_Kandandara.jpgThe group entered through the prepared entrance and Lady Carol Kidu took her place in the chair provided to her. She was then hoisted in the air and carried into the village.
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lady_Kidu_traditional_welcome.jpgWe all shared a meal at Kanadara before travelling by road back to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat dropping off one by one John their guide and other porters who gave their time to walk with the group to the crash site.
After another night at Orohaven, the following morning food was shared with the Orokaivan's who walked up to the crash site and helped the people from Haila Village and other areas to clear the area.
Around 10am we all flew back to Port Moresby where representatives from the Australian High Commission welcomed the group. The charter was arranged by Airlines of PNG on a FOC basis which was appreciated by all.
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Peter_Allen_APNG.jpgOn behalf of Kokoda Trekking, a big thank you to Dame Carol Kidu and the friends and relatives of the victims of the APNG crash for putting their trust in us to take good care of them and allow the visit to happen as per their wishes. At times DFAT doubted we could pull it off but we kept re-assuring them we had everything on the ground covered and that all guests would all be treated like royalty.
We are confident they all left PNG knowing they were very special guests indeed and that they will always be WELCOME to return at anytime in the future. It was naturally a sad time for everyone but also a humbling experience as the PNG people opened up their homes and hearts to them.
Thanks again for choosing Kokoda Trekking as you are all very special us to and to the family of Kingsley Eroro. May they all rest in peace.
Kokoda_Trekking_logo.jpgFootnote: This afternoon 19th August, 2010 I received the following email from Debra (mother of Kelly), wife of Keith and their son Chris.
Hi Gail
Really good to have my boy's back home safe and sound.
Keith and Chris were totally overwhelmed with the whole experience and I know it has brought some comfort. I too hope to make the journey to PNG very soon and be able to meet all the wonderful people Keith and Chris are now talking about.
As a mother and a wife I thank you and Carol from the bottom of my heart for all you both did to facilitate this journey.
Chris wrote a summary of their experience and I have attached it for you to read, hope you will be able to use it in your article.
Look very much forward to keeping in touch and meeting you very soon.
Warm regards
Deborah
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