Tual Welcome

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Fri 22 Jul 2016 22:37
Official Rally Welcome to Tual
 
 
 
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We all went ashore and were greeted, blessed and sprinkled.
 
 
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The band struck up and we each shook hands with the welcoming party.
 
 
IMG_0498  Welcome Dancers
 
The guard of honour.
 
 
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Traditional warrior dancers.
 
 
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Through the handshakes, up the red carpet and settled in front of the stage for the speeches.
 
 
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The mayor was busy so we heard from his stand-in, translated by the MC.
 
 
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Everyone listened attentively – snacks on the tables, the back rows had snack boxes.
 
 
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Youngsters danced for us.
 
 
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They got us to join in.
 
 
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Representatives from each country posed with the dancers.
 
 
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Everyone photographed everyone. We were called to visit a nearby traditional meeting house and then to coaches to go on a city tour. Back to our boats for a quick shower, then back ashore for the evenings entertainment.
 
 
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Too much for a couple of the riggers who took the opportunity to grab some Zzzz’s. Meanwhile the evening began with a modern group.
 
 
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Pole dancers, drummers and enchanting singing.
 
 
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Representatives from each country receive a gift (a scarf).
 
 
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Janine and Gavin (crew on Ameldec) share their birthday today. We all sang and the youngsters enjoyed making up the letters wishing them greetings. Then the pair had to blow out a candle.
 
 
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Karaoke and dancing to the changing colours of the fountain. A great night.
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL A GRAND DAY AND AN ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME
                     FANTASTIC EFFORT FROM EVERYONE