Well, it's been a whirlwind of activity, no rest for the wicked... we finally did leave Darwin, with good feelings in our hearts and adventure in our smiles. We checked into Saumlaki a couple of days later after a good passage. The people in Saumlaki were incredibly friendly and welcoming, with a big welcoming ceremony, dinners, a tour about the island, fishing competition, dancing competition, cooking fesitival, etc. all ending with a big "Gala" farewell dinner. Everyone in our gaggle of about 14 boats was awestruck at how well we were treated and made to feel welcome, literally treated like royalty.
Then we were off again to the "Spice Islands" of Banda, with big smiles, adventure again, finally getting to these remote islands dreamed of for many years. And arrive we did, some rain just before landing, but cleared out to reveal stunning beautiful islands. The harbor is very deep so we all dropped our hooks on the steeply sloping bank and backed to the wall in front of a hotel, where again we were greeted by friendly faces and guides of all types (diving, mountain climbing, plantation tours, city walks, etc.) to help us enjoy our time here. And that we did!
The nutmeg plantation and village on the southern island was a real treat. Nutmeg is grown in the shade of banda almond trees, as big as the towering redwoods or firs of the pacific NW in America. We learned all about how it was processed and the different parts of the nutmeg nut (all used!) We did some dives and snorkeling in stunningly clear water, climbed to the top of the volcano "Gunug Api" (Fire Mountain - 600 meters) with very sore legs the next day. We had a "city" tour today and got lots more info on the history, including a tour of the old Dutch fort. The European world fought fiercely over these little islands in the middle of nowhere for several centuries.
Internet has been dismal so far, but we haven't had time for that anyway, having too much fun being in these lovely islands with happy friendly people. But we are off again tomorrow headed for Wakatobi, in Sulawesi, for more diving, some of the best in the world, friendly faces and wonderfully yummy food.
Pictures coming soon (when we have a better internet connection!)
With Equanimity and Joy
