The Royal Visit

The main Chief and his sub chiefs hold court each Friday morning to hear any cases and to settle disputes. We were lead in to an inner courtyard at the palace (not quite Buckingham but no the less intimidating and formal). The main Chief sat on his throne (great photos). We shook hands with all present moving right to left as is the custom and then took our seats. The Chief linguist began proceedings asking what was the mission of our visit and translated our answers, all proceedings are carried out in local language even though English is pretty much understood. We each had to introduce ourselves and I'm afraid the girls were referred to as "only students". Lucy and Rachel at 17yrs old were given a little more credit as they are nearer adulthood.
It was explained that all were wearing black because they were in mourning. A local mechanic had died and his funeral was in process outside, a procession of motor bikes and clapped out bangers backfiring and making as much noise as possible to give him a good send off.
Very graciously we were welcomed to Fiapre, the district name and told to think of here as home, as Galway. The Chief wished us good health and that the tropical climate would not be unkind to us and a safe onward journey. We were given our leave humbled and very honoured at being given a presence at court. The girls were in awe of it all and truly enjoyed the experience. I can only imagine the distraction we must have caused for those gathered to have their cases heard. I'm not sure if we hightened their anxiety or distracted them for a while from the job at hand.
Imagine then our surprise when in the evening as we prepared to go back the the school for the final evening celebrations when I got a call through the door
"margo, come quick, come quick" from Eileen. I automatically thought one of the girls was hurt when the next line came (the slight delay was due to the 2 flights of stairs) "the Chiefs, the Chiefs are here". I descended the stairs trying not to look too surprised and greeted our visitors. Whatever about attending court it was quite a shock to see the robed men sitting on the foyer couches. Maria arrived soon after me and as she rounded the bottom of the stairs her eyes were like saucers to the merriment of our guests.
Again the linguist took charge and explained that it was custom to reciprocate our earlier visit. We realised that the Chief himself did not have to visit but again that we were being honoured. The other girls joined us moving right to left shaking hands with the assembled party. This time the Chief was happy to converse in English and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation.
I'm afraid that I was reprimanded, I disgraced our party by crossing my legs and was told I could not do so in front of the Chief. Thankfully the Chief was not insulted as he said he understood that this was not our custom.
The Chief then placed a traditional scarf around each of our necks and with final good wishes they took their leave. We were left a bit in awe at what had just happened but delighted at the experience.