97. A Girlie Moment

We returned to the village we have visited before, way up on the side of a gorge.  Last time we drank tea with a family there and, at their request, took their pictures, so we took them some prints. 

Apart from the 2 teenage boys, it appeared that the men had been banished for the morning, and we all sat in the sun looking at the pictures, drinking tea, revelling in the view, and just being there with them: 3 generations of women.  They were delighted with the pictures and eventually asked if we could take more, but they’d like to dress up in their finery.

And they did!  Much excitement, make up, and rushing about, leaning over the balcony railings and bringing out their gorgeous clothes and jewellery.  They posed for us, and then insisted I dress up too and bundled me into all the gear, going to all sorts of trouble to get it all right, and posed with me on the step.  Meanwhile the boys ran off with my camera and took pictures of each other in film star poses, loving it.

Then back to McLeod and a rather riotous leaving dinner for Claire.  I shall miss her; she’s been a brilliant walking mate as well as a great teacher and very good company.

STOP PRESS! Sunday morning - a monkey has just tried to come in through my window, and forgetting all advice about how they can get aggressive I rushed at it shouting (quietly, being a well brought up girl who doesn't go round shouting indoors), grabbing the only weapon I could find - a blanket off my bed! And it did hesitate before leaving!