A Day at the Beach
The excitement level was high with the three boys from Alaska. We were all going to the beach to enjoy the tropical warmth and splashing with the children and staff of the Hohidiai School. We all boarded the work truck for the long drive to the dock where we would get on traditional boats to make the 20 minute run to the island. The truck ride is the favorite ride 
of visitors. We were all squeezed into the back of the work truck with its five foot high side walls. The tallest had to watch for sweeping limbs and duck quickly just to miss a good swat with a palm branch at 40 mph. We made it to the dock and everyone was smiling as we walked up the planks to board the traditional island boats. The narrow boats were just wide enough for two people to sit side-by-side. We were boarded and off to the island in the boats with their catamarans on each side to stabilize the boat. The day was sunny and we hit the beach. Some walked the plank while others just jumped into the water. The beach was sheltered from the big crashing waves we could see not too far away. It was a safe place for our children to play. We watched every little one as they enjoyed this beautiful day. There was no doubt there would be some sunburns on the Alaskans. It really didn’t matter how much sunscreen that was applied, it was not going to be enough. These were the original Baked Alaskans.
We had a meal of Ikan Bakar (fish cooked in a fire) with all the trimmings. I sat and enjoyed the meal with friends, laughter of our children and the warmth of the tropical sun. The water felt like getting into a nice bath with colorful fish around you. Tedi, one of the Indonesian staff, even caught three fish while everyone else swam. It would be hard to imagine a more joyous and peaceful day together. The time finally came when we had to leave this white sand beach, but we got to take some shells and all the memories. The team worked hard all week and got this glorious day at the beach. Good things come to those who wait.