It took a long time to sleep last night... hypnotised by the translucent silvery glow of a full moonlit night. The future of 'bamboo sand rapids' or Kwamalasamutu was swimming around in my head. It's a real joy for us to stay in a place where echoes of a different time are still strong.... Hand spun cotton hammocks are still woven under traditionally built homes, cassava is still laboriously hand ground and sun baked into huge round flat breads, trains of women still regularly strain under heavy loads of freshly sourced fire wood, and the men still stride boldly to the forest focused on the hunt.... A hard working but peaceful scene full of daily purpose, one we will not easily forget, but one we hope the youth of Kwamala will not easily forget either.

The lure and attractions from beyond the vast green barrier that hems them in must be strong. The imported electric colours of big brand sports clothes they wear, and the thrill of hi-action movies they occasionally watch on the village TV set are a big distraction from the hard earned knowledge of their ancestors. Sadly, there are few stepping stones to the outside world, just one big leap in the form of a plane, the prohibitive cost of which is way beyond the means of everyone here. Although progress is coming slowly, the real test of time comes with the careful management of their resources and inherent forest wisdom, the wise and hopefully well informed decisions of the Granman, the guiding hands of teachers like 'Big Paul' the school headmaster and the dedicated heart felt efforts of Frits van Troon as well as the aspirations of the young are all helping to build the bridges.

Today we called on one of the old Piai to bless our continuing journey.....more magical moments Under the raw midday sun he beat out his incantations on a small drum, and we sat quietly pondering the power of his words....

We have barely touched the surface of the complexities of life in this remote place and the people of Kwamalasamutu still need a lot of assistance to guide them on their way. But sitting round a fire with the whole village encircling us as we sipped Casiri beer and laughed ...Runningman held the computer up high and we showed the weeks work to an enthralled audience ....the firelit faces reflected All the warmth, kindness, humour and humility our hosts have shared with us in the last few days. We'll be sorry to leave.................

Keeping the Skills Alive

Piai Shaman

Forest Blessings