The government has recently allocated some significant funds to improve the road that runs through our village along the coast. So there was great excitement when the grader arrived on a ship from the mainland. In a matter of just over two months the road made of crushed coral which stretches for several miles was made wider, straighter and flatter. In the process, the grader effectively removed most of the coral/gravel and placed it conveniently in the ditch; which made, since we are in rainy season, for a much muddier road.
This did not seem to extinguish the excitement for the road. And since that time we have noticed quite a bit more traffic. The “cars” that seem to grow in number each day are a homemade contraption that, in a way, reminds me of my childhood stick horse. Two tires, made from circles cut out of old flip-flops, are attached to the end of a stick about eight feet long. Near the end of the other side of the stick is a crossbar or on some of the fancier models a circle that resembles a steering wheel. The car is easily driven by holding on to the crossbar and pushing the stick as it rolls along in front of the driver.
The car itself was not my only fascination. Those who are seen walking down the road pushing their stick car is also fascinating to me. Sure, there are several children, but the number of teenagers is not far behind them, and is growing since the teenagers are realizing they can sneak up behind some kids who aren’t paying attention and carjack them. Too, on occasion an adult will stroll by making a puttering sound as he carefully steers it around the muddiest parts. I watch as they head down the road and out of sight. A half hour later I watch as they pass back by heading home. Most are intent with their driving and hardly notice me. However, those who do acknowledge my presence are always thrilled when I ask them, “Where are you driving your car?”
I must confess that though trying my hand at the wheel does have some appeal; I have not yet given into the urge of making my car and joining the rush hour traffic. Though this bit of culture is most likely on lower end of relevance it has been insightful and amusing to watch, and I thought it might be fun to pass on to you.
Cruising The Road, Aaron
PS – While this email sat in the drafts box waiting to be sent. I, constrained by the plea from my six year old daughter desiring to get her license, gave into the urge I had been restraining. So now, since last Saturday after a stroll through the woods to find the perfect aerodynamic limb, are in the possession of a 2007 stick car. It was completed and made road worthy by the addition of wheels (2006 model – thanks to the sacrifice of a ruined flip-flop) and a couple of smiley stickers carefully placed by Avalon and Sierra.
Aaron and Lori Luse Missionaries to the Patpatar people of Papua New Guinea with New Tribes Mission