A typical Weekend at Soroako!

A couple of days after arriving in Soroako I went to see if the Kroll's were back from vacation. They were not but I discovered that my friend, Jan Staal, who I had met on my first trip to Soroako lives just two doors down! So I paid him a visit and met his lovely wife, Jen. This was late Saturday morning. They invited me to join them on Sunday for a trip out onto Lake Matano by raft. Who was I to refuse!

Next morning I arrived and met up with Jan, Jen and their friends Susan Capstick and Nera. I had met Susan's husband, Ron, on my previous trip. Susan and Ron are just over half way through a 3 year secondment from Sudbury. Here is Captain Jan in command of his magnificent vessel!

That is Jen on the left, Susan in the middle and Nera on the right.












We sailed across the lake to the small village of Nuha which is locally famous for their basket weaving, especially ones that look like a pineapple (like the one in the middle on the right). Very nice!

After our jaunt through the village looking for basket ware (something was purchased from each of the four vendors we came across!) we then moved down the shore a ways and stopped for a swim, some kayaking and lunch. Here is the gang as we get things ready for lunch.

The water is warm, and very clear. No trepidation on my part in jumping in! Even though quite cloudy that day I still ended up with some sunburn. Even my back which was only exposed for about 15 minutes, when not in the water, is a nice bright pink colour now.

And here I am in Jan and Jen's kayak.

Yes, life can sure be hard sometimes in this business, but somebody has got to do it and for once it's me!