A visit by Rodney and Rita Banama

Rodney &Rita with Joanne at home in Kenwick

By Kanau Sion & Joanne Kanau

In mid April of this year (2011) we had another of our extended family connection visit Perth. Cousin brother, young Rodney Banama (alias Bana), a mechanical engineer employed in the infamous Lihir Mines in PNG was accompanied by his wonderful wife Rita on a short familiarization and fact finding visit for a possible employment and perhaps if lucky, a relocation to Perth. We had much pleasure driving Rodney around for his briefings and attend to formalities required by his possible employer (BHP). He also took a wirlwind visit to Newman, a country mining township approximately a couple of hours flight to the north of Perth.

Dinner time: Rodney & Rita with us, Kenwick,WA

The Bana visit was, for us, a blessing in disguise in that, Rodney and Rita brought us sago and a six pack white can PNG SP beer to make our local taste.... and the most important of all and one which we (Sion and Joanne) could not ever live without...buai and kambang...which we chewed with real mustard courtesy of Perth oriental shops. This always makes our day. Added with these were updates of what was happening back home which we were always eager to hear when any of our relos visited. All these brought us a homely feeling and which we appreciated. Having been away from home for the last four years we always look forward to such a visitor.

Although time was not on their side, we tried to squizz in slots for them to share dinner with us and a visit around Perth which we succeeded. On their final day, we thought a short site see around Fremantle, Cotesloe Beach, Nedlands, world famous Kings Park and a drive around Perth CBD sufficed. Finally, after supper with us at our home in Kenwick we drove to Perth Airport and bade them good bye. Athough sad to see them depart, we have word from the gravevine the Banas are relocating to Perth come August of this year. We congadulate Bana on his first job outside of PNG and are always proud when a relative successfully secures an employment overseas. The Sions of Perth look forward to welcoming the return of the Bana family.

With Rodney and Rita - Roushead, Fremantle