Almost as soon as we arrived in Kalabahi, it was ashore for a Gala Dinner at the
Governor's House. Some of the boats decided to give the Island of Alor a miss and carried on to Lembata. It was a shame to see so many empty seats st the Dinner.
Next day, we wondered around town and sampled some local food.
We did a tour on the 2nd day in Kalabahi (only 5 of us) and we had an amazing experience, that the tour the day before (bus load) did not get. We went to this traditional village (Takpala) and we had several invitations to enter the homes of the villagers and share KOPI (coffee) with them. Something they would not normally do. The KOPI was freshly ground, (rock on rock) and we all agreed it was the best coffee we had ever tasted. The villagers could speak a little English, they learn it from the tourists. We missed out on the Lego Lego dancing, we did not mind, what we had experienced was far better.
Sophie, from Belgium who was with us when we went to Takpala was not sure if she would get a ferry ticket, we suggested to her if she could not, to contact us and we could give her a lift to the next stop.
Twice a day the local children would either swim or paddle out to the boat, calling out, Mr, Mr or Mrs, Mrs asking for lollipop, cola, book, pen etc. I found them an absolute delight, so happy and friendly. Occassionally they overstepped the boundary lines, but all in all they were well behaved.
On the last day, at 1700 hours we went ashore with a small bag of gifts for each of them which included the above items. A small raffle was held also to give away 5 pairs of swimming goggles. The children (and parents and grandparents) we're so excited. We also handed out some reading glasses to some of the elders, you could see their appreciation written all over their faces.
Sophie did join us, so it was dinner for 3 that night.
Leaving Kalabahi next morning.