Waiting to be seated

Its hard to beat the simplicity of these stools, hanging on a divider, out of the way, waiting to be used.

Traditionally folk in Bario lived in a longhouse which are basically a long verandah with rooms off it with a family living in each room. The verandah is the hub of community, where the cooking's done, gossip exchanged and in the old days extremely lively parties! The longhouse I stayed in had its own hydro which generated power for itself, the church and I think the school. While another longhouse was hooked up to windpower.

Like many rural environments, its mainly the old who are still living there - the next generation have moved to the bigger towns and cities, and abroad to work and live. And despite its remoteness, Bario is one of the most progressive places I've come across - children have been sent all around the world for further education. Back home in Bario, there's an internet cafe which helps the families keep in touch with each other. A new clinic is being built, to be completely powered by solar. We can learn a lesson or two from this small village.