World AIDS day:

Main stage

Today is World AIDS day and the hospital and local community organise an educational festival to mark it. A bit like the Women’s day last week, but on a bigger scale. They started off with a parade on the back of a couple of trucks from just beyond the hospital, into the main town centre. They had set up a big stage yesterday and had a few dignitaries including 2 doctors (the male ones) from Helena Goldie.  They played some popular music to get things going and once a few people had gathered had a few speeches. Then there were some musicians who played not-so-traditional pipe instruments. The traditional ones are made out of large bamboo pipes of different lengths which they bang the ends of to make a sound a bit like a marimba (African instrument) but a bit more hollow – which makes sense. These ones were made from pvc piping, and they also had a couple of drums and a string with some bottle-tops tied to it which served as a kind of tambourine of sorts. The teenagers playing had great rhythm, and they were just clearly enjoying themselves.

PVC pipe players

Then there were some little kids who danced, and then some more music and speeches. I have to say I didn’t stay for the WHOLE thing because it’s unbelievably hot and humid today and it was all in the sun. I just went past a few times to see if there was anything new.  I’m told there will be some plays and a big singing competition – the runner-up last year had a song that basically consisted of the word ‘condom’ over and over again. Still, whatever gets the message across I suppose!

Later this afternoon, I went to watch the children’s Christmas party for the local school. It was very sweet although they did sing one song about acid rain and how technology is making us less human which I found a bit disturbing coming from 7 year old mouths. The best part was when Father Christmas was brought over in full winter Father Christmas outfit to give out the presents. How he didn’t faint I will never know, but it was good fun to watch – especially as he bears an uncanny resemblance to a particular RAMSI officer (albeit with a little paunch). All the little kids were very scared to shake his hand – so sweet.

A very warm Santa Clause

All in all the atmosphere today has been very festive and everyone was very cheerful – an excellent day to be in Munda!