Last night, the 21st, was the opening ceremony and gala dinner. Unlike the past six weeks this event  is being organised by the local government of this area of Bali and Sail Indonesia, not the main government in Jakarta. The events kicked off with a parade composed of tableaux from the local villages who were taking part in the cultural events over the next couple of days. Very colourful and there was an English commentary as well so we could understand what was going on. The speeches were a little longer than usual but several local officials had made the effort to include at least some English phrases so  we were able to get the gist of it. Sam of Sail Indonesia mad a short speech, both in English and Indonesian and Gary of Inspiration Lady was prevailed upon to make the response for the rally participants.

Then we had the highlight of the evening. There was a magnificent dance and commentary, based on local folk-law. Unfortunately not in English but we think we were able to follow the story. Brilliantly choreographed and very well danced. The commentator did a great job of using several voices and there was, I think, either a mother and daughter or perhaps two sisters elder and kid sister, in modern dress who wove in and out of the dance, setting the scene and having lively verbal exchanges which the Indonesian speakers found very amusing. The older was telling the younger the story, or at least that was the consensus of opinion. If they weren't a professional dance group then they could be. This was the best yet and considering the high standards already set believe me that's saying something. Oh yes, I've finally, I think, seen Balinese temple dancers. They come a very, very close second to Tahitian dancers, almost neck and neck.....or some other  part of the female anatomy that sticks out a bit :)

The gala dinner was fine, more than adequate and nice and spicy. Lovina Beach is obviously very tourist orientated but not over-priced in the main. As always people are pleased to see you and although there is a bit more hustling of services it's not overly intrusive. Sail Indonesia are planning on expanding the stay here and personally I think that would be a great idea.

Now, boat problems. I have had the offer from 'Footloose' of a choice of two head sails, one of which must surely fit. Not a gift but a lend until I get to Malaysia. I'll be checking them out this morning and have my fingers crossed. In the meantime my old cruising chums Pam and Jim, ex-Delidaco who some readers will remember, have come up trumps. Their son lives in Phuket and is investigating the availability of second-hand sails there. One way or another I'm fairly confident that I'll be leaving here in a sailing boat not a motor boat with an auxiliary sail.

Sometime today I'll do another transmission oil change and hopefully that will restore forward gear. I'm not thinking about the smoky engine right now and I'll be interested to dip the fuel tank and see how much (roughly) I used on the epic motor-trip to Bali. One bright point is fuel is cheap(er) here than in most other places so I can afford to leave with at least half a tankful. I may even (shudder) raid the credit card and withdraw some cash and fill up, which with roughly 1000nm to go would be sensible I suppose. Never mind California dreaming I'm Malaysia dreaming and a lot of the immediate worries will evaporate once I get there.

Book-wise, once I've had a look at the sails in the next day or so I'll upload the next Karno adventure, 'The Kaieteur Caper' to Amazon. Daughter Pauline has given me a fine choice of five possible covers and you know what? I'll include a couple in this post. Email me or comment on the other blog

and let me know what you think. There may be a little work yet to do on them, to be fair to Pauline these are draft ideas, although I happen to think they're fine.

The above is my favourite.

OK, bandwidth problems so I'll post this now but you get the idea. Over the next day or so I'll put all of them on the writing blog, unless Pauline complains that they are only drafts.

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