River Cruise - Sounds Exciting - Not

 On Saturday our group headed up to the Volte Dam to get on a boat and "cruise" up the river for 2 and a half hours, visit and island and then come back. In my mind I would see villages on the way, scenery that was beautiful and then learn about culture, history, etc. on the island, then enjoy the trip back.

Nope.

We got on the boat and made our way up to the second deck with a canopy and nice river breezes. As soon as the boat left the dock we got safety directions in case of emergency, and then the band played VERY loud music that had good rhythm. One by one the seniors left the loud music. I stayed as I couldn't figure out what I should be doing. The scenery was nice but exactly the same for about an hour. I even got up with the band singer and swayed a bit. He was going from couple to couple and different persons and the alcohol was generously given. I'm slow but not stupid and realized everything was geared for the tips. I paid my obligatory tip.

When my ears were numb, I went down stairs to find the missionaries in an air-conditioned room watching a stupid movie. I think it was Monster Hunters, but was not engaged. The scenery disappeared on one side of the boat into fog or smoke and got drier and scraggly on the other side. As we got nearer to the shore, I realized we were going to land in the sparse trees and dead looking grass island. 

Here would be better....

We walked along a path and took a few pictures then just past the cages on one side it opened up to a broad place. A little boy with a monkey had a bowl in front of him. A group of boys playing on bamboo instruments had a bowl in front of them. Some girls singing had a bowl in front of them. A group of dancers with drums had a bowl in front of them. A group of boys singing had a bowl in front of them. There was no guide with explanations of what they were singing or the significance of the dance or song. We did come into a clearing that had one boy with a small horse and steps up to the saddle, and another boy holding the rope on a small camel. The camel only wanted to walk with a rider if the boy gave him some of a coconut that was opened.  He would lead the camel in a big circle and come back. The horse with a rider was lead around in a big circle. Picture opportunity was about the extent of the "ride". And of course a chance to give money. The entire endeavor was to give tips and then go back to the boat and ride back again. 

I did have the chance to take pictures of the missionaries as my entertainment. Elder Porter had a game to play on the way home. About the seventh round I finally figured out the game. We had fun connecting and learning about each other.

Not my most exciting trip. I am SO GLAD Jeffrey stayed to finish up some work. Next time someone says cruise, I will come prepared to entertain myself for hours.