It's all about timing

I was invited to a community meeting in Kelara today, where officials from the forestry and other offices, people from BRI bank, and members of the community would discuss credit facilities for farmers. Not directly in my line of work, but I tend to go to these things as there's usually a lunch attached. The meeting agenda was set for a 0900 start.

Here's how the schedule actually went:

Night before: I fix a time with partner from forestry office: we'll set off at 0630. The meeting starts at 0900, and it's around half an hour away by motorcycle. Still, I think we may have preparation to do.
0630: I'm washed, dressed and breakfasted, ready to go. Partner says we'll go after he's taken his children to school. OK.
0700: Partner returns from school run. Decides to have breakfast.
0730: We're off. Travel for 5 minutes then stop on outskirts of Jeneponto. Partner tries to trace colleague who we're following to Kelara by mobile. No sign - there's an unconfirmed rumour that he's doing some photocopying.
0730-0830: Hang around by side of road. I watch some goats. 
0830: Colleague tracked down to agriculture office. We ride back into Jeneponto to find rest of colleagues from forestry office hanging around the agriculture office too.
0900: We're off again - a clear run to Kelara.
0930: Arrive Kelara, only half an hour late. No one else has turned up yet.
1000: Community members start to arrive.
1030: People from bank arrive, and the meeting is finally underway. I understand only little of what's being said. Each member of panel must speak for at least 15 minutes in a monotone.
1230: Close and lunch.
1330: Return to Jeneponto.

Attendance was interesting too: I counted 17 government officials, and 11 members of the community. So time and money well spent I think.











The panel at today's meeting - alert to answer any question.