We finished our time in Sulawesi much as we began it -- as would be rock stars. I don't think I'll ever get used to being the subject of such attention. Hello friend/Where are you coming from/You are welcome in my country is standard. You need to get used to giving out a hearty HELLO every few feet while walking the streets. But Sulawesians were not just happy to welcome us -- they also wanted us to pose for them with pictures. At the beach this became a bit cumbersome as it was hard to relax under the constant parade of those wanting us in their family albums. Why? As one girl said, "You are white. We are black. White is better."
We took Lion Air from Makassar to Jakarta. Never before have I had such serious doubts about the safety of a plane as I did on that flight.
Jakarta emerged from under a thick blanket of fog. The airport was old-style Java, with barely any AC and a long-delayed flight for us. Air Asia's brand new plane, which we took to Kuching, was an unexpected delight.
Who would have expected such a hip, stylish city perched on the edge of Borneo? After Makassar, Kuching might as well be some place in Holland or Belgium: clean, quiet, and things work.
Nobody has asked to take our photo, however.
Here's some camera work from the past few weeks:
Bira Beach
Sunset in Makassar
Tana Toraja houses
Effigies
Market day in Makala
Bemo from the inside
Mountainside graves
Pig market in Makale
Market scene
Laura's turn to pose
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