and we left in the rain in the dark...but our path glittered

On day of departure, yesterday, instead of leaving at 3pm left at 8pm – (and slopped back to Pemba at 11.30 missing two planned meetings). 

But managed nearly all our 'to do' list and our Christmas presents were a huge huge success – most amazingly we had enough t-shirts for everyone even the old carpenter and his two assistants and Mama Nanquata and Maria. 

Just as we were really late, a storm gathered and unexpected Italian couple appeared.  The hum of an engine against the gathering dusk, panic of departure and then a huge down pour... all lead to an increase in anxiety!

The main house was flooded, a swimming pool of water and covered in the old, once roof (grass and bamboo everywhere) but Dominik managed to set up a small table for two on the veranda and Antonio served the sudden guests chicken soup and pasta prepared with a super Italian herb mix I imported, followed by fresh pineapple....and as we left they sat looking over the forest by moonlight.  Could be one of the most magical and surprising nights they have had.

Amazingly we managed to finish one of the rooms with its new waxed red floor, my curtains tied back with hand-made rope repurposed from a confiscated snare...candles in place and a note to welcome our first guests.  And a pot of wild Mareja honey as a small Christmas present.

Full of extreme exhaustion we left as the rain stopped and our exit was greeted by... newly hatched glittering fireflies and the mysterious loud croak of happy frogs.