Saturday, 5 April 2014

Day 66 - Matang Borneo - Rosey still recognises me :)


             

The sun got me up today, which lets be honest I can't moan at. I wrapped myself in my sheet, grabbed a coffee and watched the sun come over the mountains taking in the beauty of this fantastic country. I caught up on yesterday's blog until it was time to get ready for work. Kristi and I walked while Dom got on his bike. The sky was beautiful and the clouds hovered over the mountains, not a bad view for a walk to work. 

Upon our arrival I popped my head in to see Rosey. Although I got wind that she has been a little stressed of late it seems the hair on her arm has made good progress in growing back. She recognised me as soon as she saw me and came swinging over from the far side and popped her hand out for me (for those that may not read as far back I was her gibbon buddy at Matang, this is not normal procedure at the centre who has a strict no contact policy) I gave it a quick shake and left her be not wanting to make it hard for me to say goodbye a second time.

We started on the Orangs and as usual Kristi and I teamed up and had the cages done in record time. I got to see the girls Shirley, Sandy and Maria in their new enclosures which was great. It was Shirley's turn to go out today and there seems to be a love story unfolding. Aman the large dominant male at the centre has taken quite a fancy to this older, fatter Orang (apparently that's how they like their females) and Shirley is very keen to show him from behind the bars exactly what he is missing out on. It's lovely to watch and great to see Aman have some interaction with another Orang.

After we finished we headed over to Leo's house to replant some Jalapeño plants which are outgrowing their current pots. It was just nice to be back at Matang where it all started milling about like it was home. After writing a quick note to Tash and Leo as they were both in the forest with the babies, to say goodbye we headed back to the house. 

I packed up the last of my things and left TSL toy with a note for a special person. You know who you are ;) we arrived at Basaga where I demolished a Spag Bol and Garlic bread before retiring to my room to read my book as it was raining outside. We were meant to go for dinner but everyone was a bit tired, Kristi then advised she wouldn't be coming tonight so goodbyes were over FB, convenient as she hates them so much hahaha

I did a bit of Skype then headed for a drink, I got chatting with John the owner and his family and he kindly bought me dinner and another drink, trying to persuade me to go to Monkee Bar. However, after Mel missed her flight last time for that reason I thought it best to decline. I headed to reception to book my 4am taxi and get a t-shirt for Jules as she forgot. As I entered Chrisitna (Alvins wife from the tour last year) came bounding up to me for a hug. I recognised her straight away and am surprised with the amount of people she sees that she recognised me. Alvin wasn't far behind and I stayed and chatted with them for a while. 

I must have said this a thousand times in this blog but it was a perfect ending to this trip. There really are some fantastic people here both natives and westerners doing what they can to make a difference to the wildlife here. To stay and help would be an honour. It won't be long till I am back you have my word! But for now my travels continue with my bestie Georgie, first stop Vietnam.
                                   

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