Sunday 19th October, we must stay in Kaimana for the day. The leaders of the expedition, Laurent, Dr Kadar and Dr Gono have an appointment with the regional prefect (BUPATI) tomorrow morning. On board the Airaha 2, everyone goes back to their favourite activities until they can disembark. Card games and dominoes have been taken out. Everybody is chatting. Today … Continue reading →

Saturday 18th October, the wind is rising. The sea is full of white caps. The boat is pitching. We lost sight of the dhow during the night. But where is it? We are floating around on the water, looking for it. Finally, here it is! And off we go. At 10:45 am the engine suddenly stops. The generator won’t start … Continue reading →

Friday 17th October, the boat trip is long, but the atmosphere on board is good. Everyone keeps themselves busy: testing the equipment, reading, having a nap, doing crosswords, sewing, doing the laundry, fishing, chatting, interviewing… There is even a hairdresser and a spontaneous massage parlour! Time is punctuated by delicious meals prepared by our two cooks, Jacques and Anjas. Today’s … Continue reading →

Friday 17th October: Thursday 16th October, both ships were ready to leave at 10 am, but verifications still needed to be done by the marine authorities. While the Airaha 2 got the authorization to leave in the morning coupled with an obligation to weigh anchor before 4 pm, the dhow was not allowed to leave the port before 10 pm. … Continue reading →

Thursday 16th October, that’s it, everything is on board. While 29 passengers are split between the two ships, 16 others embark on the ferry leaving this morning for Kaimana. Meeting point at destination. The ferry’s arrival is planned for Saturday morning. The Airaha 2 and the dhow’s arrival is less predictable: Saturday evening or Sunday morning? Both ships will navigate … Continue reading →