I just finished reading Cousteau’s Papua New Guinea Journey. Wow, what a sensational book, especially for fans of Errol! Though Flynnie himself is not specifically mentioned, there is extremely rare & extensive exploration & exposition directly connected to E’s old turf & times in and around Papua, along with approaching 200 National Geo-like photos! It’s top of the line – marvelous for Flynn researchers.
With renowned research ships Calypso & Alcyone leading the way, an armada of Zodias, rcks , jeeps, a helicopter, seaplane & even a submarine, take a team of scientific explorers to all of Errol’s old PNG waterways and stomping grounds, including the outer islands if New Britain, New Ireland, and all the rest.
Rabaul, Port Moresby, Lae, Wau, Madang, the old gold territory – they’re all here, as are incredible descriptions and photos of all the astonishingly unique and diverse tribes & cultural rituals. And notably, there’s significant discussion regarding the very widespread practice of adult men taking very young females as lovers & wives.
Most rewarding of all may be the “spellbinding” Sepik River – “The River of the Crocadile Men” – said to be the most linguistically & culturally diverse place on earth – with approximately 200 languages and incredibly intense spriritual beliefs & practices. Natives believe the Sepik to be a sacred source of water and life, flowing directly “from the beginning of the world”!
Wouldn’t it have been so wonderful for Errol to have headed and filmed
a major exploration of PNG like this! He did out it on the map, though! – even more so than the Cousteau!!
The Book!
The Video!!
The Musical Score !!!
The Territory!!!!
The Tour!!!!!
— Tim
Maria
September 4, 2014 at 1:09 pm
Morning! I used to watch Jacques Cousteau’s TV show all the time – a true pioneer. Another book to add to my list. Awhile back the Discovery Channel had a program with 2 young men who travelled around the world and one program followed them up the Sepik River -ugh. It was everything Errol described. It made me itchy just to watch it. I have not had a chance to find the episode – youtube maybe? Have a great day,
Gentleman Tim
September 4, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Mosquitoes speak very highly of the place, Maria.
And the people are quite interesting. No bones about it.
(I know they look like rock groups, but they’re actually just locals.)
[img]http://nancyoung.org/Art_History_at_Lahainaluna/sepik_river_files/url.jpg[/img]
We’re lucky Errol got out alive. (Though it isn’t quite as dangerous as Hollywood.)
[img]http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/9/3/1409752819254/Huli-wigmen-Papua-New-Gui-001.jpg?guni=Article:in body link[/img]
timerider
September 4, 2014 at 2:49 pm
OK Bones! Now I must do this reading also or guilt will follow me all the days of my life until read! LOL
Gentleman Tim
September 4, 2014 at 3:38 pm
Yes, sir timerider, (or should I call you “Interlocutor”?)
Mr. Bones.
P.S. I’m not so sure your reading about Papua New Guinea will leave you too innocent! It ain’t all G-rated down there!! Bev Aadland might have been regarded as much too old for Errol down there!