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Published: September 2nd 2009
Some pics from our Tour, plus a few anecdotes from the past few weeks/months!
It’s the little things!
From the never ending power failures to the deaf man across the road smiling and giving me a wave when he goes to collect the water each day.
The kids at the pool bowing at my feet after they have had a lesson and the ones that make sure they say thank you in English, because they can, or being called Aunty. These are all signs of respect and are quite moving.
The coaches being comfortable with me at the pool and telling me what to do or playing jokes on me! (I do get my own back on them of course.)
And just when you think you have it all sorted, something goes astray! Like yesterday, Bubba took me to the pool and usually picks me up, but yesterday I asked for a 5pm pick up and he did the usual head wobble, but said no, so I took this as no. As it turns out he really meant yes and went to pick me up however I had found my own home….oops! He still got paid
as I misunderstood the old head wobble.
The boys playing cricket in the paddock across from me and stopping for a drinks break. Up a palm tree one goes, throws down a heap of coconuts for his mates and they then smash them open and drink the juice. This incidentally is a great rehydrater.
The old woman selling clothes on the beach who has been hassling me for 3 months! I finally buy a sarong from her and now she doesn’t come near me, or if she does it is to ask if there are people to sell to where I have been walking…..it seems we now have an understanding!
The guy selling wooden things like long boats and elephants, he knows I am from Australia and we cannot take wooden items into the country, so he leaves me alone! Great trick that one, but technically correct. And the guy with the puppets! He is the best on the beach, he doesn’t push a sale, he just wanders up and down and says hello and waits for you to come to him. I guess someone told him how annoying it is when you are constantly accosted with
touts (and this one actually listened). I know he does quite well because of what he doesn’t do as opposed to what he does do.
The locals that say hi, just because they know who I am and not just because I have white skin!
Bubba and Akka bringing my washing when it rains! Reminds me of my Copa neighbours! Very much appreciated.
As you know there was a festival recently in the village. Bubba and Akka must have bought some new material at sideshow alley because today I was presented with new sheets and pillow cases! (This was after Bubba came up and measured the bed to make sure the piece of material was big enough! )
Chami saying I look Sri Lankan when he picks me up in the morning to go the office!
Chami telling me what cricket is on where in the country!
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terence
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i envy you wit the elephants bring me one baby elephant home.. i tried when i was in africa