It is very peaceful after a big day fare-welling Colin's mother yesterday in our own unique way. Just as we arrived at Belitung after two days and two nights sailing from Kumei there was what appeared to be what Indonesians call a 'Sailing Pass'. A fleet of decorated boats under sail went right by us full of waving excited people as part of the official welcome to Belitung. This was actually a ceremony to bless their fishing fleet. They release a two metre model boat which they hope will reach Singapore.
The background scenery to this is the most beautiful and idyllic Colin and I have ever seen. Turquoise water, white sand, palms, granite rock islands. This scene takes our breath away and brings tears to our eyes. This sail past is happening at the same time as family are attending the funeral back home. And then just as the last boat moved past up popped a huge turtle next to the boat waving its flipper. So Bessie was with us too and free at last.
The pictures that stay in our minds are 
-traditional meal eaten sitting on floor with fingers Menjangan anchorage
It is fantastic that we have connectivity to be able to speak to Colin's sister Carol after the service and hear that all went well, Kate and Kerryn said some words including some for us, everyone was ok and they were having fish and chips for dinner. Phone, emails from all our friends and family and Facebook enable us the feel connected and able to give and take support. Well done Indonesia for excellent broadband coverage anywhere near land.
So back-tracking in our story. We found Bali much changed from our last visit back in 1997. Kuta and surrounding areas on south side have no appeal. Lovina on north had changed from small fishing village to sizable town. Highlights of Lovina included settling in on Delphian with Cecilie and John. Delphian is a McIntosh 47 sloop. An nexpected pleasure was meeting British ex-pat Chris and his Balinese wife Yadi. We bumped into them a number of times on the beach, spent time in a favorite warung (cafe) of theirs and were treated to a delightful evening in their home and a gourmet Balinese meal cooked by Yadi. Chris has a sailing past and they were pleased to visit Delphian, Yadi successfully conquering her fear of being sea-sick and enjoying the experience. Another evening spent in good company with them in a very good Japanese restaurant as a farewell and thank you. As I always say it's the people you meet ..........
Early morning, watching the fishing boats come back in at 5.30 am after 12 hours out. Here at Belitung they all go out one after the other in a flotilla. Another smaller boat goes back and forth close by operated by a pedalo arrangement. One of our fleet heads off to their next destination. Water so clear I can see a giant starfish moving across the sea-bed.
Another highlight for me at Lovina was a day ride up the mountains on the back of a scooter driven by our guide for the day. Git Git waterfall, huge Hindu temple compound on a lake and Twin Lakes with 7 other yachties. 
Colin missed this due to an eye infection caused by grit. He got to ride a chariot pulled by a team of bulls at the sapi G..... If you want to see the video you will have to look at Facebook. It's worth it. Can't do videos using the iPad unfortunately.
- the cheeky face of the singer I am dancing with on stage singing god knows what words that entertain the Indonesian crowd. I am handed the microphone and not having a clue what the words are I sing "I love chicken soup " in Indonesian. For which I get lots of laughs and thumbs up. Colin does the same.
- the frightened faces on the German couple who find themselves about to hit our boat and catch their anchor lines under our rudder and prop. Parked too close to us and we went to full length of our chain in a squall. Quick footwork by all avoided collision and we moved. Awake everyone?
- Excited school students crowding around to ask questions, look at photos and net tact with us in anyway they could
- children in the street wanting today hello, shake hands or high five
- Teenage Girls dancing for us at Belitung, graceful, beautiful and accomplished. We feel privileged
- beady little eyes on big male orang utan Tom who seems to be looking right at you. Does he not like my hat or my white shirt? Whatever it is I a happy to take it off! Colin hiding behind a tree about half his circumference while holding his camera in front of it to try to capture a temper tantrum by big Tom that saw heavy pole seating hurled like matchsticks
- looking around to find the nearest escape route should one of the animals head my way, head swivelling to make sure one wasn't coming from behind, heart pumping
- mooring at a diving spot at Menjangan on north west corner of Bali with a beautiful white Hindu temple on the point of the land a huge Ganesh statue looking down at us
Down river by longboat in Kumei
Gala dinner at Belitung tonight. About 40 yachts here so far. Enjoying Indonesian seafood here. Indonesia is very different to what we expected and we love the place in all it's variety and especially the people. The press do not convey the reality.
Well the women are still strong, the men are still good looking and the children are amazing at Camp Wilkinson. Love to all till next time.
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