Port Moresby's Crafts Market at Ela Beach
May 2015: It was the last Saturday of the month, the team had a few hours to spare and Erik, our team leader, suggested that we explore the Ela Beach Craft Market. It was a great idea. I have visited a smaller souvenir area downtown (see "The Bilum Wall of Waigani") but the craft market is definitely something not to miss when in this city. The Lonely Planet calls Ela Beach Craft Market "the best market in PNG"; it is located in one of the most popular beaches of Port Moresby; and the hotels where we often stayed were literally on the ridge just above the place. And yet, unfortunately, security precautions and tight schedules have prevented us from visiting the place for the past three years that I've been coming over. It was the perfect opportunity for me to take photos and be able to talk about the place from first-hand experience. And so the team headed out early in the morning and we were not disappointed. Here's what we saw.
Before lunchtime, our group had explored the whole market and each had picked up a few items to take home. As for me, I bought a few bilums which I quickly squeezed into my backpack as I looked for the next item to examine or photograph. The craft market is open every last Saturday of the month and I don't mind coming back for more photos and souvenirs when another opportunity arises.