06 Jul 2023

The Warm Welcomes of Taliabu Island

During our voyage we have been astonished at the incredible welcomes we have received at every stop throughout Indonesia. Two days ago we all enjoyed lunch with the Mayor of Bitung and yesterday we were welcomed to the Palace of the Sultan of Ternate to be dined and entertained royally once again.

Today as we visited the town markets and the cinnamon and nutmeg plantations on Taliabu we became increasingly aware that something important was again about to happen. Vast throngs of people were slowly beginning to coalesce and gather. By the time we had all reached the municipal compound in the centre of town we could scarcely move through the crowds - so many friendly faces amongst the adults and children as we made our way to seating provided for us at another official welcome for Heritage Adventurer and her lucky intrepid travellers. Every one of us was treated as if we were royalty - people wanted to shake hands, to have their pictures taken with us, to dance with us and to generally celebrate with them. There was banquet of locally made delicacies to enjoy, traditional dancing, official speeches of welcome (followed with much clapping every time the audience thought the officials had finished talking!) and a response from Nathan on behalf of us all, thanking everyone for their kind generosity and inspiring a sense of adventure in the children.

Soon it was time to return to Heritage Adventurer. Many of us were silent, reflecting on the moving experience of the day and on our good fortune to meet such happy and generous people.

Images (c) by: S.Bradley