Well besides the school project, we also had the chance to deliver donated items from all the cruisers to remote villages farther away and up the mountains. These smaller villages see little government relief efforts and are tasked with rebuilding on their own. Because of the location of the villages, they are not really “associated” with the busy tourist economy like the towns near the water. We were told the government is more likely to re-establish the tourist places frist due to their high visibility to the public. One of the villages was where Rahman’s friends lived. Rahman came to Lombok to help his friend rebuild his house and since Rahman was helping us…we thought we would return the favor. We laundred the donated clothes, sorted out supplies, and with the generosity of Ace and the use of the Rotary van, we drove off into the mountains.
The van 
Rice fields 
Rahman ready to go!
The experience was even more eye-opening. Being remote, the infrastructure was by far less sophisticated in the first place. Now, the roads for access have been torn up, rain water is now being collected as their source (unless they can buy bottled water), and sewage is a major issue.
Rahman and his friend at the the village accepting the donations. 
Same destruction…. 
just at another elevation. 
Same living conditions except they have to build on steep slopes. 
Same kind, gentle smiles with big hearts!
We managed to have some fun too! Every year, Medana Bay hosts the Sail 2 Indonesia rally. This year was different: All the women who cooked, the dancers, the band, and everything that comes with an event like this was compensated by donations from all the cruisers rather than the government, marina, and the locals footing the bill. We did not know how many cruisers would participate and how much we could raise so we needed to commit a certain amount to make the event worthwhile for everyone involved.
This event came with a bit of controversy. Some felt this type of event would deplete the local resources, something we ALL did not want to happen. We spent many hours discussing the impact with local government, the marina, and the locals we met and heard an over-arching theme…they wanted this too! What we heard was this: It had been almost 2 months since the earthquake and depression, sadness, and grief (rightfully so) was strong. A town wide event (small as it was) could ignite motivation and provoke hope…at least that was the goal.
we thought it would be appropriate to purchase and wear locally made dress…. 
They made me do a speech…in Indonesian! I butchered it ; )
Early on that day, I saw the local women getting ready. 
Local style…we sat on the ground and shared our meals with the family that cooked it.
A “military” style dance 
We are close to Bali….it’s clear 
This photo brings tears to my eyes!
The drummers ushered all the local women who had prepared meals for all of us. You see them in precession with baskets of food on their head. We had meals for about 200 people….the music, all the hard work… to witness this was truly a miracle despite all that has happened to these people!
Ace and Peter invited us to their home for dinner and an overnight stay to celebrate the competition of the school. It was nice to be off the boat and truly taken care of….I even got to get a puppy and kitten fix…Bonus!
Their home 
Their view 
Our digs for the night..complete with flowers everywhere 
Meow… 
she’s a bit skittish but she finally let me pet her..right when we were leaving of course.
This was pretty cool. Molly, being who she is, gathered the ladies of Medana to see if they wanted to begin a coffee business, The Coffee Ladies / KOPI LINDUR. Molly had a sneak peak at her new coffee endeavor. We were invited to test it out….she actually now has the packaging and some have been delivered to Turning Wheels Brewery in the Philippines by Mark Porter who worked with the All Hands All Hearts volunteers and with us on the school…it’s a small world and it it just shows how we all can make things happen when we work together.
Roast….. 
Pound…. 
and Brew… 
The coffee ladies!
Mark Porter delivering their coffee in the Philippines 
Molly’s new label
Time to see and help support the local “zoo” who just opened a few weeks before. We are not really “zoo” people but we heard so many good things about this place and it’s owner that we had to check it out. We went with David and Amy from SV Starry Horizons, who just got back from visiting the States…it was great to see them again and share this cool experience.
Feeding basket 
Ummm..no thank you! 
Pygmy Hippos….their bretathe could of used a bit of Scope : ) 
Chillin’ Iguana 
Cute porcupines 
Proboscis monkey…yes the red “thing” is always “out”!!!
No idea what kind of birds these are but they like peanuts! 
A type of hornbill… beautiful! 
Elephants like peanuts too….and green beans?!
This Orangutan had to check out David’s “parts” 
The Orangutan would pull and push you…incredibly strong! 
Monkey see…monkey do?! Wait who is the monkey in this photo ; )
With the many friends we made in Lombok, we decided to take Rahman (who we had met literally on the streets in front of the school) on our passage to Bali. He had expressed an interest in our boat and really…why not….?! Up next…Bali!
Awesome photos and blog! Miss you both.
Beautifully written. Your heart felt passion shines through