Cut papaya into large slices. Place in bowl or wide pan with 1-1/2 quarts of water and the baking soda. Let soak for 15-20 minutes. Drain water and rinse papaya very well. (The baking soda allows the papaya to stay together during cooking process, but you definitely don't want to taste it!)

Place papaya and sugar in a medium-high heated saucepan. Gently mix with spatula. Add cinnamon sticks, then cloves and vanilla. Add the cinnamon powder last. The papaya will create it's own juices and incorporate the ingredients.

Lower heat and cover; cook for about 20 minutes, or until papaya is soft and golden. Do NOT mix while this is cooking. Allow to cool, and serve with vanilla ice cream!