DIY: Build a Bookshelf And Save, Customised To Meet Your Preference

If you have lots of books and wanting a bookshelf, the obvious choice would be to buy one. Take a look at the prices of bookshelves at Courts. I bet the other retailers have the same prices, if not more. You may not have the time to build one. That is okay. All you have to do is buy it. But any DIY person would know the satisfaction that comes with building something.

Courts' Price at March 2016

I spent K157.20 to build this bookshelf - 110 cm (H) x 30 cm (W) x 140 cm (L).  Such a size bookcase would, ideally, cost around K500. Despite the fact that it may not be professionally done, it is practical, stable and above all met the need.

Six stands (taken from a crate) providing lift to slot nicely into back wall; rope attachment at the back as 'stopper'

Perhaps the important fact behind DIY idea was that I saved more than K300. Additionally, I now have materials (nails, off-cut timbers), tools and knowledge and skills to make the next one better.  I only have to buy good quality timbers to make it look great.

It would be smart to paint the finished shelf. I have decided to use wood stain or vanish, but I considered them to be too expensive. That is why the first bookshelf has not been given any TLC. I planned to build a couple more. Hopefully they will get the Tender Love and Care they deserve…

I’ll provide some tips (with photos illustration) for building a bookshelf in my next post (a step-by-step guide). So, if you would like to get some inspiration, join me on Google+, Twitter or Facebook for update. 

Here are some vital materials, tools and information I used in the making of the first bookshelf shown in the above photo.

Materials used

1.       Nails: One, two and three inch nails

2.       Timbers: 4x1 , 1x1, 2x1 (some of the timbers & nails are taken from a used crate)

Tools used

1.       Hammer

2.       Hand Saw

3.       Tape Measure

4.       Square

5.       Nail punch (option: use a 5 inch nail)

Other useful info

-          You can ask for the timbers to be cut to length at the timber yard before taking them away. Instead of using your hand saw, the electric saw they use at the timber yard gives a fine cut, ensuring perfect fit.

-          Always take the off-cut with you. They are useful.

-          POM residents, hire vehicles are usually on stand bye at most timber yards. Keep an eye out for them if you need help with transporting timbers.

-          The timbers have been sourced from UAA Timbers, behind Big Rooster, opposite TST Boroko 4 Mile.

-          Price and receipt attached (Take note of the Unit Price)

Unit price: K2.50/m 20x20cm | K4.80/m 4x1 inch

Loloata: A Place to Enjoy Sun And Sea

FOLLOWING THIS POST, LOLOATA IS NOW CLOSED

Contact detail & costs

Whispers on the streets has it that Loloata Island Resort was closed due to take-over by a big hotel company. I had to confirm that this is true because I have always loved going there. A quick call revealed that the island resort was still opened to visitors. 

From casual chats with resort staff on my latest visit revealed that they have not reached a business agreement with the hotel company yet, though talks have been ongoing. Do not make this stop you from enjoying the sun and sea at Loloata.

If you are planning a trip to the resort this year, make sure to give them a call first. Residents of Port Moresby and other visitors alike can contact them on 72768687 (or 3251369/3258590).

Some photos

Boat to and from the mainland

Lion Island : White sandy beach & snokeling area

Boat trips between Loloata and Lion islands

Port Moresby Nature Park A Place For All - Visitors, Residents, Kids and Parents

We wrote this post way back in January 2016. Having looked back at it, the Port Moresby Nature Park has developed into a beautiful and family-friendly park.  I visited the park again this year, December 2020. We were impressed!

Other fun places to visit in Port Moresby 

• Port Moresby Adventure Park
• Sunset Lodge
• Loloata Island Resort
• Koitaki Country Club
• Varirata Natioanl Park
• Kokoda Track Memorial
• Bomana War Cemetry
• Tutu Beach

Cute Snake of Port Moresby Nature Park

The park has expanded its activities to hosting schools visits, World Environment Day and school holiday activities; and many other events throughout the year. One obvious plus is the active staff involvement with the community both on the ground and also on social media.

For those who were around in POM would know that the park has gone from leap-to-bound within a few years. Thanks to the management, sponsors and the others behind this nature's park attraction in the city.

Check out the full video of the snakes in their new enclosures on YouTube.

Gogodala Traditional Canoe

As a parent and regular visitor, I have no hesitation in recommending Port Moresby Nature Park as one of the places to visit either alone or with children. Sponsors and people involved in this improved look should be highly commended for a job well done. 

Kids play area was the best you can find anywhere. Better pathways and board walk-ways make access to the wildlife, flora and fauna, toilet facilities, cafe and other areas easy.

Entry Fee: Port Moresby Nature Park

If you are in POM or just visiting, or looking for a place to take the kids, or just wanting to get out of the house, this is the place you should visit. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am sure you will too.

Port Moresby Nature Park Entry  Fee

Here are some amateur photos showing the revamped Nature Park.

Nature Park Map at Entry

Directions 

Kids play ground

New boardwalk

Tree kangaroo

 I would encourage parents and anyone wanting information about the activities to follow the Port Moresby Nature Park Facebook page.  

About PNG Insight

PNG Insight is an education blog. It aims to highlight the key developments in the education sector in Papua New Guinea. Started in 2014 on Google's blogger (now self-hosted on WordPress), PNG Insight strives to be a platform for critical thinking and discussions; and a source of information.

Leave a comment and let us know about your visit. 

INSPIRED: Do not focus on things that only matter, but things that matter the MOST in life

(I came across this message somewhere on Facebook and thought I should re-post it. It is such a wonderful story.)

Photo | Baidum Village, inland Salamaua

A teacher stood before his new class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to filling it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full and they agreed that it was.
Without waiting for the answer the teacher then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was, now, full - they agreed it was.
The teacher next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Off course the sand filled up every space. He asked once more if the jar was full.The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The teacher then produced a can of beer from under the table and poured the entire content into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed..........

Now, said the teacher as the laughter subsided. I want you to recognize that this JAR represents your LIFE. The GOLF balls are the important things like your FAMILY, your CHILDREN, your HEALTH, your FRIENDS, your favourite PASSIONS and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your LIFE would still be full.
The PEBBLES are the other things that matter like your JOB, your HOUSE and your CAR. The SAND is EVERYTHING else.... the SMALL STUFF,  both the positive and negative everyday stuff!
If you put the SAND into the JAR first, he continued, there is no room for the PEBBLES or the GOLF balls, the same goes for your LIFE.
If you spend all your time and energy on the SMALL STUFF you will never have room for the things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children, spend time with your parents, visit your grandparents, take your spouse out for dinner, make love and the list goes on. Like there will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn.
Take care of the GOLF balls first the things that really matter, set your priorities right and the rest is just SAND.
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The teacher smiled and said, I’m glad you asked... "The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a Beer with a friend."