Cherating

Our visit to Cherating was not overly exciting, nor overly boring.  It was a regular vacation with us relaxing in another location next to a beach and a pool.  I think this is the first such vacation I have had in... well since I can remember.  Below are some pictures of our hotel.  The hotel was close to 15 years old, but had character, and a great staff.  We enjoyed our room and the family holiday deal we had.  The hotel was called the Impiana Hotel Cherating. 

This was our foot wash.  They had them next to all the stairs leading up to the rooms.  In the mornings it had fresh flowers added to the pot and was refilled with fresh water

We didn't do too much in the way of tourism as the tourism was more of a way for locals to earn some money to show small sites.  Even the turtle watching seemed to like this.  All turtle sanctuaries have been privatized and are no longer controlled by the fisheries department.  However, the new owners are not really well trained in the care of the animals they are responsible for.  We had one experience where 50 people came to watch turtles laying eggs in the evening, and while waiting were essentially allowed to pick up and keep touching baby turtles waiting to be released in the evening.  We left early because of the mistreatment and were concerned that the older turtles would not be allowed to peacefully complete their task also.  We were most worried about the uncontrolled Malaysian kids who were there.  I will be surprised if this program actually works to increase the turtle population. Below Didzis is holding one of the baby turtles, and the following picture is of the turtles in the baskets that the the kids kept picking up and thrusting into faces, and were continually flashing their cameras into the turtles eyes.  The lady responsible told us that it is good for the turtles to be picked up because their flapping flippers prepare them for their swim.  But I don't think the trauma of huge people picking them up and freaking them out is good for them.

The next pictures are of the other turtle sanctuary.  The turtles were in a small swimming pool. 

 

They also had baby turtles in a netted off area.

These were fresh water turtles in a small pool also, but they had no area on which to climb to dry out and sun themselves.  Many were starting to have algae grow on their shells.  There was one turtle that did not look well at all.

We also spent two mornings doing batik.  The boys are starting to make presents to take to family in the US for this summer.  It was one of the most relaxing activities I have done in a long time.

We came away with 6 very unique pieces of artwork.