Goroka

Goroka is famous the world over for its superb coffee. The province grows a lot of Arabica beans which is sold at a premium in specialist coffee shops and roasters around the world. However, we won't be talking about coffee today. Everyone else who geos to Goroka always just talks about two things - coffee and the coffee festival. While I love coffee and I can discern the differences between Arabica, Robusta, Liberica and Excelsia beans, I feel that the other side of Goroka has been largely ignored.

What's the other side? Well, Goroka is quite an interesting place. I would recommend staying at either the Bird of Paradise hotel which is located right in the middle of town or staying at Pacific Estate which is a short car ride out of the city. I'd recommend staying at Pacific Estate more than the Bird of Paradise. From the hotels, you can book yourself to go on a tour to see the Asaro mudmen, go to villages, go see World War II wrecks and even burial caves. Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity yet to go to these places as most of my trips there have been short and sweet.

Another thing most people don't know about Goroka is that the arts scene here is very good and I'm impressed with what the University up here has produced in terms of paintings and sculptures. The University also has a large library, the largest I've seen so far here occupying a few floors in a large and spacious building. This is also where the National Film Institute is located where they make hard-to-find documentaries on the country's culture.

Anyway, I've rounded up some various photos I have taken from my different visits here through the years. Enjoy!

the Gorokan provincial HQ. one of the better ones I have seen in PNG.

overlooking Goroka, the view from Mount Kiss is nice. Mount Kiss is easily accessible.

a lot of little river and streams go through Goroka.

though it is not cold, Goroka receives a lot of fog.

the University of Goroka has a very neat and well-organized campus.

the entrance to the University of Goroka's library.

the raun-raun (pronounced round-round) house where performance artists perform.

i kid you not when i say that Goroka has a yacht club! there used to be lake in the valley but it has since dried up.

to get around, flying is the only way to travel. small planes like this are popular forms of transport.

the marketplace where a lot of good produce are brought from the various highland villages.

here i am trying to buy campsicums.

the guards at Pacific Estate sports bows & arrows instead of guns.

 

i came across a couple of curious trees. this one has a very rough bark. i do not know what it is called as i never was good at botany.

 

this one has a very curious tree trunk. it was very colourful and i do not think my photograph does it justice. the trunk is also smooth.



If you come to Papua New Guinea, Goroka is a must visit. You wouldn't think that you're in the Pacific when you're here as it is located in the colourful highlands of the country. Well until next time, ciao!