On the trip to Pegadungan, as we got closer to Bedugal, the weather closed in. It was raining the proverbial cats and dogs, with visibility cut to thirty or forty metres and really bleak. At this stage I was thinking we were in for a real dog day, but once over the mountain, the weather cleared and we could again admire the beautiful scenery in this part of Bali.
On arrival at the school, we were welcomed with a banner over the entrance and a very warm reception from many students and staff, even though it was school holidays in Bali. We had a mini tour of this small but neat and tidy school, then on to the meeting. The desks at which we all sat were decorated with small flower arrangements. Each of us was asked in excellent English, by individual students, what we would like to drink. Some were rather shy or overawed but handled the situation with aplomb.
It was then on to the formalities hosted by Robby Lichtenberg, with reports from Susan and Derek Cromb, Sherryn Reid, Co-ordinators, School representatives and two students from Bontihing who were visiting Pacung with Robby’s holiday programme. We also had a delightful exhibition of Balinese dancing by students of SD2 Pegadungan.
After this, it was on to the supposed afternoon tea, but more like an Indonesian buffet or smorgasbord, with quite a lovely variety of food and fruit, prepared by the multi talented Robby, Jati and Ibu Komang which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. After the obligatory photo, it was time to say farewell to old and new friends and students.
We had a truly wonderful day and have vowed to return in the future.
