Tuesday, 29 March 2016

MONDAY - ASHORE IN BANDA NEIRA


We are now under way again towards our next stop being the Misool Island Group where we expect to spend more time in the water. Tomorrow we have “water activities” in both the morning and afternoon in two different spots quite near to each other.

This morning, we spent three hours ashore having a guided tour of the town. We were divided up into four groups with a local guide. The guide leading our group was very difficult to understand so we probably didn't get as much information as we might have had his accent been less pronounced. All signage was in Indonesian. Nonetheless it was quite interesting and we certainly got plenty of exposure to the local very basic lifestyle. The roads are very narrow but adequate for motor bikes being the commonly used transportation. The only other roadworthy vehicles we saw were one jackaroo and two small wagons used as ambulances.

We learnt more of the turbulent history of the area and about the growing and processing of spices, particularly nutmeg. It is still happening here but at a very modest level. Both last night and today, we were joined by a group of school children who are quite keen to show off their limited English conversation skill. They do an introduction which they have obviously learnt. Once you stray too far from the words they have learnt, they no longer understand.

Notwithstanding their turbulent history, the people are delightfully friendly and gentle.


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