Wednesday 31 July Arrival ceremony

What a marvellous welcome to Saumlaki! The tourist office has co-ordinated three days of events to welcome us, their guests, to their island. This morning we had the welcome ceremony. There were the Vice President, heads of police, navy, army, teachers, school children and other dignitaries. The island Chief in traditional costume and his entourage started proceedings by lining up all Captains wearing their Sail Komodo polo shirts which we were al given when we arrived. Chief made a prayer, drank the local spirit and went on to share the cup with the captains. Each captain was given a woven scarf to wear as another gift of welcome and then we were invited to join the dignitaries under a canopy to watch dancing and listen to a welcome speech from the Vice President and songs from the girls. It was beautifully done and less than an hour long.

After the last dancing we were then invited for refreshments. The ladies had been working hard to prepare a delightful spread of cakes and savouries with tea, coffee and water. I think this was probably the best, and warmest welcome, we've received from any country.