Alor

"AMAMZING GRACE"

3rd to 6th of August ’10 We have started our journey to Alor 8 13 S and 124 30 E with anticipation and at the same time felt sorry to leave Kupang as we all had such a great time and have made so many memories not to mention new friends in the land of smiles “Everyone is your new friend” We have couple of new names Bula meaning tourist and Mister. It makes no difference as in my case that I am not actually a Mister. Soon after leaving the coast of Kupang we learned some new rules and principles of sailing in Indonesia. 1 There is no wind 2. There is definitely no wind 3. In the not likely event of slight breeze it will be on the “nose” so of absolute no use other than cooling effect when sailing.


We have seen water that looked like what some call “a mirror” I call it “Amazing grace” and it really feels like that – no separation between the sky water and not a single wave…absolute silence…beautiful!!! The day was loooong and some of us felt really tired after the hustle and bustle of the last few days.

This is simply exchaustion.

One of the very first fishing boats we have seen. Exsciting! And they were so happy to see us too.

The little boats with blue tea towels for sails and so many...



More "Amazing grace" oh you can also add lots of dolphing jumping out of water in the distance.


Kalabahi our anchorage was the only town of the island of Alor located deep in a 17 km beautiful bay with enchanting views of mountains volcanoes small fishing villages and lots and lots of fishing boats/canoes. We were welcomed by a large group of them. At first they look like waves and really hard to see it was actually an amazing and amusing sight. Some of those boats are so small that can only accommodate one .Others have tiny small sails that look like they have been made from blue kitchen tea towels. I am not joking here. After thinking that we were going to run every one of them over we made it to Alor safely in rain and the haze of burning fires to the tune of Muslim call for prayer.

Smoky Alor




Hills with small villages

 

Always someone in the water calling mister mister...kind of nice and they are happy to stay around for hours...

The next couple of days made us realize that Kupang was like “New York”. We had fun we laughed almost cried felt privileged in life were humbled. This was a different world indeed. We were always welcomed everywhere surrounded by smiling faces. Something else too. We were never surrounded by so much rubbish in the water. Cognac almost escaped when we were not on board as the anchor rested on large plastic bag and decided to let go after 2 days. All ended well and no accidents caused.
To conclude our stay we attended another Gala Night at what we understood to be the king’s home. We were all transported in a very “antique” bus under police escort. That was a little contradiction and would be something that we will never forget. As well as the hospitality in the best Indonesian style.

Our bus.Not enirely sure about the vintage year and provided all with amazing laughter...all great

Well all on board..most sitting on springs...there was a tyre in the isle to cover the hole in the floor. And you know what counts is the intention after all we were taken care of in the best of style under police protrction.The trip took all but 5 min too.Great experience and unforgetable experience.

One vacant seat.



And the tradition is kept.



Kupang - picture story delayed due to network coverage

Tinker and Robert with lots of their new friends marvelling at the pictures from different places and waiting for the empty glass bottles they can exchange for money.

20th of September in Lovina Beach North Bali This is really the first time that we have access to reasonably fast (that means not really slow) Internet. Since it has been such a long time since we have posted anything I will try to update you as soon as possible and as much as possible.
This is  Kupang's story...enjoy we have.

And the boats....

The dinghy hustle and bustle...everything happens here so fast

The view from the fish market...such a contrasting one. The wealth and maybe not so much wealth...???

This man was absolutely on a mission to sell me the flying fish...he gave me such good price

Typical fish market...one will find most things here...fish pigs of all shapes and ages cats dogs old boats new boats being built gamblers drinkers very old man trying to sell their fish poverty and wealth...it is all here

And the trade goes on

All can trade here...one common thing - everyone was happy!!!!!!!

20th of September in Lovina Beach North Bali This is really the first time that we have access to reasonably fast (that means not really slow) internet. Since it has been such a long time since we have posted anything I will try to update you as soon as possible and as much as possible.
This is  Kupang's story...enjoy we have.

The incredibly friendly dinghy team ready to welcome us and take care of our "little boats"

All the flags were there to welcome us

Well just a typical view...serene moment at the end of the hustle and bustle

The typical fishing boats on our early morning trip to the fish market.

Kupang at sunset...watch the little boy on the step. There are very friendly little kids everywhere.

 

 

 

 

 

The fish market...well this was our arrival by water..fish guts pigs and smiley helpful faces. An experience not to be forgotten. and many lessons learned,

Smoky Kupang...there is regular burning of rubbish early in the morning and at 5 pm.

Enjoying the ride in a very very HOT bemo with our guides

And this is the Bemo like a little bus it has a number very original decoration as well as incredibly loud music and tiny seats. Air con 4 ways only if one is lucky.

The "boys" and the perpetual chooks. They always seem to be around.

Typical Kupang

Our Cognac team at our first gala dinner which is a very formal affair where Tinker gave the very first speech which had to be "from the heart"It can be unexpected what we are capable of when need arises.

A lone fisherman...very regular sight.They fish for the smallest fish...tiny small.

 

Our first dinner at the incredibly vibrant local market - fish and nasi goreng

Tinker with the always friendly local kids

The local market scene...sleeping is normal one gets really tired in this heat.

This is our special gift for Bou Chou we hope that you will love it!!! When are you coming sailing?