Thanks to everyone who expressed concern about Steve’s suspected TIA and our stranding in Wewak. We finally took off a little after 9:15 Sunday morning on a 70-seat Fokker and touched down in Port Moresby at 10:24. Unfortunately, that was almost an hour after our (rebooked) Philippine Airlines flights to Osaka (via Manila) had departed. Once definite word came Saturday that no plane would leave Wewak, we knew we’d never make the PAL flights, so I spent close to three hours on the phone Saturday afternoon, trying to rebook them yet again.
But I failed, and choking with frustration, we simply canceled them outright online. (I had paid extra for refundable tickets, though PAL tacks on so many hidden charges and fees we will get back only a bit more than half of what we originally paid.) If anyone out there is waffling over whether they should fly Philippine Airlines anywhere, call me and I’ll give you an earful.
This all meant when we landed in Port Moresby we had NO transport out of PNG, so we had to hustle to look for that. Happily, we found seats on an Air Niugini flight leaving for Manila at 4 pm that afternoon. We also booked a place to sleep in Manila. I’m writing these words from the heavenly bed there now.
As for continuing on to Japan, I was startled to find how few non-stops daily fly between Manila and Osaka — just three. None are good (e.g. Japanese). We finally chose the one (Cebu Pacific) that would allow us to SLEEP IN! Last night before collapsing in bed, we snagged seats on that 1:30 flight and got a hotel at the Osaka airport. If all goes well, we’ll check in there more than 24 hours ahead of when we’d planned.
Between now and then I’m hoping for time in which I can work on my report on the heart of our PNG experience: our travels in the highlands to the Goroka Festival.
At home and abroad 
Wow! I hadn’t read the earlier blog. I was
Not sure what happened to my last comment- but am so glad you are safe and closer to medical supports. I hope you get some rest, and am glad you have the travel acumen to book flights etc!
Deb
Your resourcefulness is amazing. Hoping you both get some downtime in Japan and can relax and enjoy the rest of your trip. All my best wishes to Steve and for the rest of your trip to be abit easier.
Ann
My heart has been in my throat reading the last few posts. Take good care.
So good you found a competent doctor to assess Steve and give you what sounds like very good advice. Meg and I enjoyed catching up on your travels, and look forward to reading about your Japan visit.
Oh dearI just got caught up with your posts. I’m so sorry about the TIA. That’s not good but also not the worst! Take care of yourself!!! We will see you up
I missed the previous installment but i hope Steve is ok!! Sending a prayer for him and hope you get the medical care he needs!Wendee Founder & DirectorRedemptionSongFoundation.orgWriter/EditorWendeeNicole.com Sent from my iPhone