Spent yesterday on the Island of Ternate... had a great time! We took a tour of the interesting and historic parts of the Island. We stopped at 2 different forts that were built by the Portugese back in the 1500's-1600's. The views from the forts were nothing short of spectacular, hope I was able to capture it on camera(will download pics when I can). We also visited the Sultans Palace. Yes, there is a Sultan but he does not live in Ternate... I was told he lives in Jakarta. The palace is beautiful, spacious and filled with interesting artifacts(swords, clothing, china, pictures, furniture and such). Tropical flowers, trees and shrubs are lush and found just about everywhere. I was able to identify many plants that are found in Florida as well. I have a feeling that many are probably native in these areas, most seem to grow wild here. Funny, the plants that I recognize and have in my own front yard look puny and pathetic in comparison! After touring the forts and palace, we stopped at the beach. We went to a small swimming area(a small inlet or cove) and donned a mask and snorkle. I was amazed at the abundance of coral reef formation in such shallow water. You simply stick your face in the water and there it is! I saw angelfish, bright blue neon fish, sea anemone, all kinds of coral formations and more. Don't know the names of what I saw but it was beautiful and the highlight of the trip for me. Afterwards, we stopped off to eat at a local restaurant that was recommended to us. This, I must say, was not the highlight of my trip as the food was strange in taste and texture. I guess I am not too adventurous when it comes to food!I ordered a clear green pea soup, or so I thought. They brought me a huge bowl of soup with all kinds of strange and unknown things floating in it. I tried it but couldn't get past the fishy taste and was unable to identify little bits of meat floating in the soup. Not my "cup of tea"...or soup! So far, today, my stomach is fine, so I am guessing that the little bit I did eat didn't do any damage.
After the "yummy" dinner we went shopping for souvenirs. We shopped at their traditional market which were rows of dirty shacks that sell all kinds of things(fruits, vegetables, cell phones?, clothes etc...an interesting and cultural experience. The people were all happy to see us, probably have never seen anyone like us before. Could hardly get much shopping done, the local people all want a picture with us. It felt good to be so welcomed! After the traditional market, went shopping at their "new mall". Apparently, the locals are very excited about this mall. I have to admit, I was somewhat disappointed by the "westernization" that I observed. I really wanted to buy things that were Indonesian, but found myself surrounded by all kinds of American looking things ( electronic devices, clothes such as Rolling Stones Tee-shirts etc...) all to the beat of the background music in the stores...American Rap! I'm not so sure they knew what the lyrics of the songs were about(I heard a few choice words while shopping). This is a very religious, predominately Muslim country. I have a sneaking suspicion they don't know what those lyrics mean. I have a hard time trying to distinguish the words in rap songs myself. All in all, it was a great day and one I will always remember.
Today is a day aboard the ship, don't have much going on today. Catching up on laundry, reading, studying and some R&R. Tomorrow I leave for a day medcap and Vanessa and Randy will be returning from their weeklong medcap. I'm sure they will have lots of stories to tell. We will be leaving this area tomorrow after the medcaps are completed, and then off to Ambon, our last stop before Australia.
All for now
All is "Bagus"(good)
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