Kiriwina, an unforgettable stopover in Papua New Guinea

In December 2019 we visited some islands in Papua New Guinea, destinations very different from any other we had known until then.

Together with Pablo, Tomás and Madelyn we arrived at Kiriwina, the largest island of the Trobriand archipelago, in Papua New Guinea.

It was one of those experiences that remain in the memory not because of the luxuries or the great tourist attractions, but because of the feeling of having entered a completely different world.

From our arrival everything seemed to invite us to relax and enjoy that paradise of crystal clear waters, tropical vegetation and the tranquility of the environment that created a landscape of simple and genuine beauty.

However, what impacted us most was the possibility of getting closer to a community that preserves many of its ancestral traditions and a way of life deeply connected to nature.

Touring the island was a fascinating experience because the dirt paths, traditional homes, canoes and the daily life of its inhabitants allowed us to observe a reality very different from what we are used to.

As we walked and talked as a family I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky we were to be able to share that moment together.

Traveling has always given us unforgettable landscapes but it has also allowed us to get closer to other cultures and understand that there are many different ways of living and understanding the world.

The children of the island played outdoors with a naturalness that seemed to belong to another era and the smiles, greetings and mutual curiosity broke down any cultural or linguistic barrier.

In many ways, Kiriwina reminded us that happiness is not always associated with technology or material comforts.

The natural beauty of the island also deserves a special mention because the clear sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Pacific seemed to be part of a perfect postcard.

As the day progressed we realized that we were living an unusual experience.

It was not just about getting to know a new destination but about getting closer to a culture that has managed to preserve much of its identity over time.

When it was time to leave we took with us much more than photographs. We take away memories shared as a family, conversations, learning and the certainty of having known one of those places that still preserve an essence that is difficult to find in today’s world.