Whew what a hectic few days it has been.Woke on Friday to pouring rain but as usual here it cleared quickly and Lisa,s birthday dawned fine and clear.Puja our driver called at 9am and we were off on the first of our visits that L had planned.Didn,t get very far when we had to return to hotel with hubby who wasn,t feeling too good.Left him and on our way again,first stop to Robin at the birthing centre where Lisa was hoping a baby would be born for her birthday.Arrived there to find Robin assisting a mother in final stages of labor.The day before one of the 3 mothers to give birth nearly died and it was only using drastic measures that she was saved.Sent off to hospital for a blood transfusion.The bras were once again the hit of all we had bought.I had also at Robins request taken a lot of books on childbirth etc. Surgical gloves and masks were put away for Aceh and we had a lovely morning.Unfortunately baby hadn,t arrived when we left.
Robin is also very concerned about the situation in Aceh as the women are bored and depressed and as a result are eating more rice and getting fat and subject to diabetes which is a worry.
We then went up to the back of monkey forest to walk thru.This is likened to a scary ride and as always was the highlight of Lisa,s day.So funny to see the novice tourists with the bananas and how they react when monkeys chase them or jump on them.The road around the forest used by motor bikes and walkers is under repair after heavy storms and so had to walk thru middle this time.Interesting experience.Taking a photo of a mum and very tiny baby and she just up and turned her back on us.
Up to the markets where they are asking exorbidant prices and not very willing to bargain.Very few tourists.
Walked down to our favourite Cafe Wayan where we lunch and the garden section at back is being renovated.Also hardly anyone there but food still as good just the ambiance lacking.
Set off home via the Seeds of Hope orphanage where we were warmly welcomed.Sandra,the mother ,is still not great after the stroke and i did feel that she was even worse than Oct.As most of the children were there we were treated to their orchestra and 5 of them are now learning the violin so they showed off their talents .This is such a warm welcoming place and daughter commented that even though we arrive unannounced the children are always so clean and neatly dressed and the place is spotless.There are 4 children from Papua there and 5 of the older children are at uni in Jakarta.
Needs there at present are school books and pencils for start of new school year.
Home after that and then dinner at the Kan Khao opposite.In the last 6 months they have done renovations and the ground floor now has a fish pond and new tiolets.Do go even if it is just to take a look , these tiolets are fantastic.Food as usual was great and prices are so reasonable.
Yesterday i went alone to visit our boys at school as Ron still wasn,t well.Met by the local Rotarions and a happy morning with the kids and teachers was had.If you are going soon to SD4 take some red lipsticks for teachers.They like bright red for temple ceremonies.
Sorry Kay---have not seen the beaded tops as there are very few traders cming on market nights.
Steve introduced me to some regulars frorm Perth who are more than willing to bring goods up for me so that is a great plus.
Going to have a very quiet day today and family go home this evening.
Have met Seashell here on a short visit and Fisho Girl and family enjoying the pool etc.
Any questions please ask.