New Year Cruise in Close-up

 

In early January, with the river levels unseasonally low, the Rahai'i Pangun headed south to re-visit the village of Tundai, to renew our friendships there. We sat down with one of the older village women as she wove a rush basket. Starting with merely a few stems, she deftly threaded the slippery lengths into a strong base.
We met the village women and discussed their lives in this tiny village, floating on the coal black lake waters.

That night it rained, and we set off up river, with guests boarding at different locations... all the time enjoying local specialties, giant fresh water prawns, crisply fried corn 'percadel' or cakes, jungle ferns, aubergine grilled and served with a piquant chilli and tomato sauce, and great breakfast pancakes.

By the last day, we were beating our way up stream against the swollen Kahayan River to Bukit Rawi and our excursion to the colourful sandungs at Sigi and Tuwong. After another heavy downpour, we returned to the cozy Rahai'i Pangun, with her rain shelters down and candles lit, for an evening of traditional music and wonderful food and company!