Tyler and Emily in PNG

Last year before Christmas I decided to take Andrew and Ismael (two workman) out to lunch as a thank you for their hard word. We went to Eden Restaurant which is a mix between Chinese and Thai cuisine. Papua New Guineas like rice and I knew this would be a safe bet. They thoroughly enjoyed ordering whatever they wanted and getting a drink of their choice as well. It was definitely a hit and all the other office employees were jealous.

This past Friday I took the workman out for their thank you lunch again. Couple weeks ago, Ismael started to hint about the lunch and how they wanted to go out again this Christmas. I told them, you pick out the place for lunch and we will go. As they started to scheme and come up with options they are getting excited. They would come to me almost daily with their plans and what day was the best to go.

On Friday, I took both Ismael and Frank out for lunch at the Ocean Restaurant. Frank had cut grass all morning so he was thirsty and hungry while Ismael was Mr. Cool with his ear buds in. Frank is a new hire from July and a bush man. He lives 1.5 hrs from town near Ono but during the week he lives in town then commutes back to his home on the weekends. Going to a restaurant is a very special thing and probably something that he has never done before.

Ismael ordered a pretty standard choice of fried chicken legs and french fries while Frank ordered a typical Chinese choice, chicken and vegetables with rice. With the menu in English I had to give options to Frank as I translated from English to Tok Pisin. I assured Frank that he made a good decision.

While waiting for the food to arrive, they both enjoyed the scenery of the ocean and small boat harbor. Ismael started taking pictures with his camera phone while Frank was upset that his phone didn’t have any memory to take pictures. They both were grinning and smiling with enjoyment as they sat on the outside porch sipping their sodas.

Once the food arrived, Ismael tore into his meal and so did Frank with the exception of what to do about his fork and spoon wrapped up in his napkin. Frank grabbed the the utensils as one unit and started to eat. He did not know any better and had a odd look on his face. I gently informed Frank to unwrap the napkin. He set aside the napkin and proceeded to grab the spoon in his right hand and fork in his left hand. By this point, I let the man enjoy his meal and eat it how he liked.

Frank repeatedly thank me for the lunch and opportunity for the boss to take him out for a meal. They left nothing on their plates as they happily exited the restaurant with their bellies full. ‘Thanks Boss.’