Ferry to Saparua island
Yesterday was an early start. Leaving Natsepa Hotel at 0800, taking a taxi to Tulehu. From here I was trying to get to Saparua island. I was expecting to take scheduled ferry at 0900 instead the taxi driver dropped me other where local small boat operators tout for business. I parted with about €20 euros and shared a small boat with another lady. The boat I can only describe as a pleasure cruiser, no more than 5-6 metres or so long and designed for inward waters. Thank goodness there was little or no wind, as the swell was enough. The highlight of the trip was watching a pair of dolphins in the distance pass the back of the boat.
Infection looks like it has gone
My infection appears to have gone and is no longer red. Though there is a small bump still around the size of a small pea (petit pois). I’m out of anti-biotics, so lets see if it clears itself up.
Mahu Lodge
I am at Mahu Lodge on the top of Saparua island. It’s 32 euros per night, including dinner and breakfast. I’ve got air co and a warm shower, which are both big bonuses.
I am sleeping a lot more these days, I don’t know if this is because of the heat? 12 hours+ is normal. According to National Sleep Foundation it is excessive. This could be because of continued sleep apnea and / or it is still early days since I lost Grace.
Siri Sori – The origins of Kesaulija
So this was the highlight of the day! I found and visited the place where the Kesaulija name originates from – Siri Sori. Arriving on the scooter I drove and back forth through the town, not sure what to do. Not really sure what to do. Then I thought ‘bollocks, I’ll try the local government office’. I enter to discover around 8 people are having a meeting. I’m asked to take a seat.
No one is speaking English, we do everything via a translation app. But it’s fine. It turns out the head of local government, in the room, is a Kesaulija, as other two other people.
I look up at the wall and see the organisation chart for the local government. It is full of Kesaulija’s!
I explain my story and they say they can help with the genealogy. They are amused that one of the Kesaulija’s (aka Rutger) is British, as I show a picture of this passport.
I know I am not going to be able to build the family tree on this visit. But I have made contact and can start the next part or pass the baton to Rutger. He may not be interested at all, and that’s ok.
I agree with Sami to return the next day.
Thinking of Sarah and Rutger
With Sarah it’s hard. I felt like Grace was always trying to be peacemaker. For some reason, around when Sarah turned 18, the relationship just fell apart. With Rutger, I want him to make the choices he wants to. I won’t force or expect anything of him. Otherwise, I need to keep moving forwards and working through a lot of other things in my mind.
Interacting in Dutch
I am so proud of myself, interacting in Dutch with all these Dutch people travelling here. My spoken Dutch is not great, but my listening is ok. It is encouraging me to go back and get my B2 exams done.
