Last week was an annual boat race
showcasing traditional sail boats from Barat.
More than 20 boats began in the big city and sailed up the coast,
stopping along the way. Each stop included
smaller races of 5 laps off shore. Then
event ended at the provincial capital, 4 hours north of us. We had been informed about the races by many
people, for quite some time. Finally, after learning the boats had actually arrived in Barat, we
ventured down to the beach to take a look.
We watched the boats making their
laps, then enjoyed lunch at a neighbor’s parent’s house. It was amazing to see the teams of six sail
these very tall, but very skinny boats.
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| Traditional boats anchored at the beach. Usually used for fishing or merchant travels. |
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| A Traditional Boat |
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| Sailing |
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| Racing |
On Saturday we were invited to an
annual talent show at a middle school.
We made the boys takes naps, then after eating grilled fish with rice
made with coconut milk (at a local restaurant) we went to the talent show.
The invitation said it began at 7:15pm.
We arrived about 7:20 and were ushered to the
second row where there were nicer chairs and a table with snacks.
We tired to politely decline, but were told
these where the seats for those given actual invitations.
At about 8pm the event got underway with
greetings from all the invited heads of local government offices, such as the
local department of education, etc.
About 9pm the students began performing.
At 10:30pm we had to call it a night, though the event was still going
strong.
We were quite impressed with all
the kids who decided to sing or dance.
It
was fun to watch!
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| All the participants performing together to open the event |
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| a dancer |
