The day began with an enthusiastic welcome on the dock in Maumere, the main town in this region. Then we visited the market and museum in a fleet of brightly decorated mini buses.
We passed the afternoon in the village of Liangawo, a first visit for National Geographic Orion. What a place! Men on horseback rode ahead of our buses, and then we had a welcome ceremony and parade into the seating area. We heard different styles of music, tried betel nut and palm wine, watched various dances (including the plowing of a field), and marveled at the expertise required to spin cotton, dye it, and weave it. This region is known for its gorgeous and natural woven fabrics. Between us, we purchased many pieces from the local weavers.
