Into the jungle we go

This might be the last post for a while. We're not sure if there will be internet, hot showers (there has not been a hot shower yet:) or paved roads. Takengon as it is has only one spotty internet place. The pictures won't upload and sometimes the post publishes sometimes not. Mungkin ja, mungkin tedack.
We head to Blangketjereng to visit cocoa farms and hand out school supplies, then to Ketembe for a jungle trek, then Lake Toba to do the tourist thing, then maybe Padang to shop for gifts, (send all your requests now).

We spent two full days interviewing farmers from different coops. We visited the villages, met with the leaders, drank coffee, explored the coffee gardens, drank coffee, ate lunch and shared stories. Everyone was excited to see us and wanted their pictures taken. They were literally dragging us by the arm to see this and that. They had so much fun listening to us attempt to speak Indonesian.
I was reluctant to where a head scarf but was glad I did. all the men and women commented on it and smiled approvingly. I was showing proper respect. Funny, I initially felt this rubbed me the wrong way:) Now I wrap it around me like a special blanket.

I will load pictures as I can. I have lots of pictures of all the coop farmers and their children.

A day in Singapore

We have a day and a half in Singapore before we fly off to Medan, Indonesia. The biggest challenge today is getting used to the heat and humidity. And I was told the weather is mild today. Umbrellas came in handy.














The fruit at the market was incredible, the colors, taste and even the smell.












Durian is in season. All the fruit sellers got a laugh out of our sour faces as we came into the vicinity of the Durian. Smells like something died.


















Had to visit Apollo Banana Leaf, famous for its fish head curry. The tastes! Eaten with our hands on a banana leaf with rice and side dishes splashed on the side. Delicious. We all have yellow hands today.