Navigating Cultural Complexity in the Land Down Under

 

Melbourne CBDs skyline towards Flinders station

As the days unfolded and ushered in new chapters of living and studying in Australia, I found myself navigating not only the concrete jungle of Melbourne's towering buildings but also the intricate web of cultural complexities that separated my simple, conservative Melanesian perceptions from the complexities of modern Australian society.

The clash of cultures was evident from the beginning, manifesting itself in unexpected ways. The first cultural wave hit me with the nuances of dressing. In Oksapmin, where simplicity and functionality dictated our dress, the transition to Melbourne's urban sprawl exposed me to a myriad of fashion choices that screamed individualism. The diversity in clothing styles, from casual wear to business attire, left me feeling like an outsider in a clothing wonderland, struggling with the unspoken language of fashion.

Dining experiences presented another cultural shock. In rural Papua New Guinea, communal meals were integral to our way of life. Eating with bare hands and engaging in the meal right away was not just a custom but a deeply rooted practice. The formal setting of Australian dining halls, complete with the clinking of forks and knives, felt strangely foreign. Navigating the intricacies of a multi-course meal and adhering to the unspoken rules of polite conversation during dining became a steep learning curve for my village hands accustomed to the simplicity of communal feasts.

Moving beyond dining tables and venturing into public spaces, especially within the academic world, exposed me to the openness of Australian communication. In Papua New Guinea, discussions were often limited to designated leaders, and the majority listened rather than actively participated. Openly sharing thoughts and engaging in discussions with peers felt like a foreign concept, challenging the reserved nature of Papua New Guinean discourse. Even within the academic setting, the shift from passive learning to dynamic and interactive classrooms in Australia required a monumental adjustment.

It wasn't just the openness that stood out but also the importance of time in Australian culture. Time was a highly valued asset, with trains and public transport systems adhering strictly to schedules. This was a stark contrast to the laid-back timing of Papua New Guinea, where an 8 am appointment could mean an event taking place four hours later. The efficiency of Australian systems emphasized the importance of punctuality, a concept foreign to the constant delays and disruptions back home.

 In the lecture halls of Melbourne, students freely expressed their opinions, shared personal experiences, and engaged in lively debates. The exchange of ideas was not just encouraged but deemed essential to the learning process. This academic discourse challenged the norms of my Melanesian upbringing, where questioning authority was uncommon, and discussions were reserved for the elite few.

Navigating this cultural clash became an enlightening journey, although one troubled with challenges. It was a process of reevaluating the standards of my Melanesian upbringing and adapting to the rich tapestry of diversity that Australia offered. Gradually, I began to appreciate the beauty in the differences, recognizing that this clash of cultures was not a battle but an opportunity for personal growth and understanding.

As I embraced the Australian way of life, I carried with me the wisdom of Papua New Guinea's simplicity, weaving it into the fabric of this new and complex cultural landscape. The comparison of traditions and modernity became the essence of my transformative journey, rising above geographical boundaries and expanding my worldview in ways I could have never imagined.

Divanap villages in Oksapmin swamped by a forest of yar trees

Oksapmin to Australia: Dreams, Anxiety, and Comforts

One of PX birds that started my thousand miles voyage

In the enchanting village of Oksapmin, hidden among mist-kissed mountains, I, hailing from one of Papua New Guinea's most secluded corners, found myself hurtling into an otherworldly adventure as I embarked on my inaugural journey to Australia. In this remote sanctuary where the sight of cars is as scarce as gold, the idea of boarding a Boeing 737 felt like a page lifted from a whimsical tale.

Life in Oksapmin stood in stark contrast to the bustling cities and modern amenities that lay beyond its secluded borders. Even with my stint in Kiunga for work, where accessibility saw a slight uptick, the chasm between my modest origins and the cosmopolitan allure of Australia remained vast. However, fortune bestowed its favor upon me, defying all odds, as I clinched a coveted scholarship that handed me a ticket to Melbourne for a two-year postgraduate sojourn—a privilege that secured my place among PNG's distinguished top 99 awardees in 2015.

As a wide-eyed child, my teachers, with unwavering optimism, painted vivid portraits of triumphant Papua New Guineans who had ventured beyond our shores. The tales of overseas triumphs fueled our aspirations, and the fact that two Lapin brothers, my kin, were thriving in Australia only intensified my longing to tread in their footsteps. Yet, as the departure date loomed, instead of jubilation, an unsettling anxiety clung to my heart. The prospect of navigating an unfamiliar land with 98 strangers cast a shadow over the anticipation.

Leaving Kiunga behind, I journeyed to Port Moresby and found myself ensconced at the Crown Plaza Hotel. While the luxury of top-notch accommodation would typically evoke excitement, that night, the culinary offerings failed to satiate my appetite, and sleep remained a fleeting companion. The impending 6 am flight, transiting through Brisbane, added another layer of unease, prompting me to seek solace from my brother Nic.

After countless anxious glances at my messenger app, Nic's reassuring message finally arrived, providing a balm for some of my apprehensions. Boarding the drop-off bus to the international airport, I observed the effervescent excitement of my fellow scholars. Yet, within me, a weight persisted—a sense of venturing into the unknown alone.

The pre-departure meeting had advised currency exchange at the airport, and my 1500 kina morphed into a meagre $750, a stark reminder of the vast economic disparity. Guided by more seasoned scholars, I navigated immigration, strolled through the departure hall, and stepped onto the plane. To my surprise, a familiar face, my former university lecturer, offered reassurance, briefly dispelling my fears.

As the plane ascended into the sky, I succumbed to exhaustion, awakening only for a warm breakfast. The descent into Australia unfolded a panorama of well-tended lands, bustling roads, and towering skyscrapers—a stark departure from the rugged beauty of Oksapmin. Touching down in Brisbane, the organized chaos of the airport, though unfamiliar, hinted at the efficiency that defined Australian infrastructure.

Navigating immigration, my anxiety peaked until a familiar voice in the crowd whispered, "eto," dissolving my worries. Five years had elapsed since my last meeting with Nic when he returned to Port Moresby for holidays, and his presence became a comforting anchor in this foreign sea.

Nic, cognizant of my same-day transit, offered to drive us to the Departure Terminal, emphasizing the sheer scale of Brisbane's airport. At the Qantas check-in, the impeccable customer service further contrasted with my experiences in PNG. Nic treated me and my lecturer to our first Australian meal, a far cry from the frugal offerings of my homeland.

As we bid farewell to Nic and embarked for Melbourne, the realization that half our group split for Sydney heightened the sense of entering uncharted territory. Arriving at Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport, I joined my university cohort, and the bustling airport activities affirmed that I had indeed arrived in Australia, poised to begin a new chapter of discovery.

Vast airport complex at Brisbane Airport, Australia

An organised chaos that plays a pivotal role in developed countries. Brisbane Airport tarmac.