Popondetta is not the best of places.  Apparently it has not changed much in the last 30 years.  There are some shops like the "Rainbow Store" shown above behind the school truck, and a lot of people generally milling around.  All shops have guards, and it is rated as not particularly safe.  The first few times I went in, other teachers kept a very close eye on me, but once I was generally known I don't think there was much danger.

Popondetta is generally rather delapidated and grubby, which is in marked contrast to the villages.