Ternate

Ternate is an island in the Moluccas, also known as the Spice Islands, The Moluccas are a group of islands in Indonesia that were the main source of nutmeg, cloves, mace, and pepper in the world. 

Ternate is located almost exactly on the equator so very hot and humid. The island is essentially a volcano but the top was covered in cloud.

None of the tours on offer excited us so we set out on foot to see the Al Munawwar Grand Mosque which we could see from the ship.

Similar to our visit to Bau Bau yesterday our trek alternated between uneven footpath and competing with motor scooter traffic. Walking on the edge of the road isn’t too bad but crossing to the other side is an adventure. You have to hold firm to the belief that the scooters will flow around you like water in a stream when it encounters an obstacle!

Being immersed in the hustle of the town and the smells was an experience.

A large contributor to the pervasive aroma is durian fruit.

Motor scooters are a major means of transport both for people and goods. This guy has his scooter loaded!

Approaching the mosque.

The walk along the shore line was interesting. At this spot people were using the steps to get into the water and swim.

Another view of the structure.

We also came across a universal cross cultural landmark!

By then we had had enough exercise and exposure so returned to the “bubble” aka Seabourn Quest 😊