we have arrived in maumere after our 6 day trip across Flores. we had a great trip despite the roads which were atrocious - seldom more than 100metres without a bend or a hairpin bend, and a driver who accelerated for 75 metres then stomped on the brakes for the corner. The whole island is extremely mountainous, roads are narrow with much damage from traffic, weather and landslides.
Our first day was from Labuanbajo to Ruteng. Arrow had a lake he wanted to visit, but the road was so bad the driver refused to go. We arrived late afternoon on Ruteng. walked around town and market. we have arrived in catholic territory, so churches everywhere and only a few mosques.
The second day began visiting a loc village. ok, but out of control kids everywhere. then back on the road. stopped at a lake with monkeys. A long drive to Bajawa.
Day three began at Bena, a magnificent local village with houses around a central common area. Village sloped up the hill, with the catholic shrine at the top. Villagers still sacrifice animals on important occasions, and keep the jaw bones hanging at side of house- buffalo and pigs. They also have shrines to their ancestors. women were weaving and we bought a small piece.
We then visited Wogo, not as impressive, but we had a guide who spoke good english, so we got good explanations.
after lunch back at Bajawa we headed north. We stopped at some hot springs. they fed into a river which people swam in. the driver got out his soap and shampoo for his wash. Them on to Riung on the north coast on the worst road of all- more holes than road most of the way.
Day 4 was a boat trip to the 17 island national park. Snorkelling and fish barbecue on beach. Some great coral and heaps of fish, but too much rubbish floating in water and on sea bed. Great to be out of the car for a day.
Day 5 - another long drive to Moni, a village near Mt Kelimentu.
Day 6 - up at 4 for drive to almost top of Mt Kelimentu for sunrise. 3 lakes here of different colours. but 2 were blue amd one was dark. clouds lifted for us to see them. very lucky. back to Moni for breakfast then drive to Maumere. Stopped at a weaving village, saw the early catholic cathedral, then were mobbed by ikat(weaving) women all trying to sell us fabric they had woven, and cowrie shells they had collected from beach. They also gave us a demo of the process, from raw cotton, spinning, dying and weaving. Couldn't buy from them all. There must have been over 50 of them.
Finished the day at Maumere where it was pouring with rain. Staying at a nice hotel with a pool, air conditioner and hot water and no vermin in room.
Today (Sunday) we have lazed around the pool and travelled by bemo into town. Drinking iced tea by the harbour. No internet access where we are staying at the beach. Will post this while in town
