Canadian woman shares adorable interaction with market vendors in Papua New Guinea

When we step outside of our world, and outside our comfort zones, we experience cultures and people far different from us. But despite the difference in language, traditions, and even physical appearance, some things are universal. Smiles and laughter are the same in every culture and they mean the same thing no matter where we come from or what our beliefs are.Show more

Kristy is exploring a market in the city of Moresby, Papua New Guinea. This is the opposite side of the world and things are very different here than where she lives. But the differences are exciting and fascinating for her and she becomes very interested as she watches ladies creating a form of string from plant fibers. They are rolling the fibers expertly and then coloring the string to make woven crafts that they sell for their livelihood.
Kristy began talking to the women and the interaction started off as a serious one, with very neutral expressions on their faces, but they are as interested in Kristy and her strange accent as she is in them. And, as it turns out, they are just as friendly and pleasant. Canadians are rare here, especially in the middle of a busy market and the other ladies nearby can be seen watching closely in the background. This exchange is beginning to look very different from the usual limited conversation about price and selection and they can't resist following along.

As these kind ladies show Kristy what to do, she tries her best to create a string from the fiber. Smiles turn into laughter as Kristy fails to master the technique and soon, even the spectators are laughing in the background. The lesson continues and after several attempts, Kristy produces something passable and gains the approval of her teachers. They share a few more laughs, communicating with a mix of hand gestures, English, and the local language, Tok Pigin. Kristy's husband can't help but become fascinated partly by the craft lesson, but more so by the way the mood has changed for those involved and also for everyone watching. Serious faces beam with smiles and belly laughs filled the air for a few minutes of heart warming camaraderie.
Kristy is proud of herself for learning a new skill and she enjoys the cheers and encouragement from her new found friends. As she prepares to move on, she declares in Tok Pigin that these are here "sisters from another mother". With a final laugh, this brings the interaction to an end.
Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse places in the world. They have more than 800 different tribes and cultures and just as many languages. They have developed a common language known as Tok Pigin which is a combination of several languages. It's structure is both simple and delightfully amusing, but it allows the people to communicate effectively no matter where they come from.

This exchange is a perfect example of how we can be brought together by what makes us all the same, just as easily as we can be driven apart by what makes us different. All it takes is an open mind and a little warmth.