Maumere and festivities

We finally got to go to one of the gala dinners. Our outboard issue caused us to miss five of them but we've now caught up and quite happy to join in the festivities. Some of the other cruisers are a bit gala'd out but we were definitely looking forward to this one.

 

It turned out to be a wonderful evening with great food and some really good local dancing and singing. The local authorities combined the arrival of the rally with their annual arts and culture festival in which they'd put a terrific amount of effort. It was thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining. One improvement might have been a few less speeches; boy, do they love their speeches. One after the other, various dignitaries stood up to talk but, as it was all in Indonesian, it didn't mean much to any of us.

The following day we were meant to visit the refugee camp where the families evacuated from the devastating volcano on the nearby island of Pulau Raja are being housed. But confusion reigned as to the time and the bus left before we got there at the prescribed time. I'd dug out a bag of clothes to donate but, sadly, have now no means of getting them there.

Instead, we went into town to the market. Local markets always prove to be interesting sights and this one was quite good, despite the fact that it was built on mud with torn and shredded canopies for shade and protection from the elements. Fresh veggies and fish for the larder.

Next was lunch at one of the local establishments – an incredible bargain. I had mia goreng ayam (fried noodles with vegetables and chicken) for just $2 including a coke and possibly the best dish I've tasted to date. I couldn't have bought just the coke for twice that price in Australia!

Next stop, Mausambe, about 30nm away.

PHOTO ALBUM:

 

And, oh yes, another sunset photo