Royal subterfuge in Nusa Laut

No shortage of characters!
With Charlie, all your compatriots wanting you to side with them for independence, and the oldsters speaking Dutch with you, you had proper entertainment, not to mention the fabulous coral reef and fish. Must say I'm surprised that the Dutch evacuated the Moluccans/Ambonese to the Netherlands--not so often that a colonial power invites their third world partners into their own land. Love the colors in this photo and the old meeting house build without nails. Lucky you--glad you're heading home for Christmas!

When I arrived in Indonesia by freighter in 1959...
before going ashore, I was advised never to put my hands on my hips as the Indonesians would mistake me for a Dutch colonialist and I would find myself in trouble. I guess the memories of Dutch overlords are fading as that generation dies off, replaced by a generation who loves tourists of any nationality.

Maluku
Hey dudeness! Hope you're enjoying your trip. I've travelled Java this year and now I'm planning on going to Maluku, Timor Lechte and Banda. Where are you heading next?

Accommodation in Maluku
We (2 people) are considering spending 30 days in Maluku next spring. Can you give details of where you stayed in Ambon, the Lease Islands and the Sula Islands? rates, descriptions? (24-hour electricity? types of beds? Fan? private bathroom? etc.) We tend to cap our nightly rate at $40, but prefer lower. Thanks.