Ok, the second unique experience. Yesterday turned out to be a stellar day. The original plan (note "original") was to accompany Hotin to a large goat distribution. She was going to pick us up at 11:30, but after there was word that the goats were going to be arriving via boat and would be delayed, the time was changed to 4:30. This gave us the opportunity to go out for Fried Noodles with Jason and Nadi. A first for us...we were so ready for a change from rice which we hare eating twice a day. So off we went on our bikes. Jim using his feet as brakes and mine free shifting whenever there is the slightest pressure on the peddles. The noodles were great! This was followed by a ride around the town which is our major form of exercise and a walk along the beach. Waiting for 4:30.
Oh, yes. We had a major shopping adventure at Laris Manis the equivalent of a major grocery store here. We found butter (in a can and Jim broke his can opener attachment on his multi tool attempting to open it this AM oops!), some dried currents for the oatmeal, beer, corn flakes, OREOS and some other necessities.
At 4:30 Hotlin arrived and we took off in the van. Now the phone call that the goats would be delayed and as we passed through town we learned that a wedding reception was in progress. Hotin was really dressed up including high heels, but we did't get the memo. Jim was in shorts and was told that he couldn't attend the reception like that and since the goats were delayed again, we returned to our house for him (and me) to change although I was't in shorts and haven't been since we arrived. DARN This reception was truly a great, unique experience. It is set up on the main street with a canopy of cloth covering rows and rows of red chairs. Facing the chairs sit the bride and groom and their parents in 3 rather separately decorated areas. Beautiful wedding attire as you can see from the pictu;res. The entire town is invited and people "contribute" via donation. Hotlin started guiding us through greeting various people who greeted us with hands pressed together as in prayer and then somehow get behind the rest of the group and I ended up in front. The girls you see in the pictures gave out small gifts to everyone and then there was a great buffet and we tried everything. The curry pineapple was the best and they also had a beef dish. Beef is very expensive so this is a real treat for everyone. We each received a closed glass of water with a little slice of watermelon on top and then it was time to sit. I determined to wait for Hotlin to lead, but one of the men was very insistent that we move to the chairs and led me to the absolute front row before the wedding party. We were very honored. Pictures were taken after a silent "head" request and we ended up being photographed with the couple (their request) All 6 sit there and greet people from 3PM until 9 PM. Can you imagine how hot that is? Everytiime someone came, they all six stood and greeted their guests and the guests them. After eating we too went through the "receiving" line including people who were not in the immediate party, but obviously part of the party. Along side played a keyboard and various singers which was fun. Jim kept wanting to know when Sinatra would make an appearance but that didn't happen. It was a tremendous, beautiful, tasty and very gracious to us experience!
Still no goats, so we went to the hotel and sat on the deck and talked and watched the sunset. Music including some Western music was playing in the hotel so the setting was great. Eventually an Indonesian man sat down and chatted with Hotin. He told her that I looked strong and asked how old I was. I guess that is a compliment! We finally returned home around 8:30 and the goats still hadn't arrive!
Neahga came over via bike in the dark for something to drink and we chatted for another couple of hours. He is an intereting man with basically an impossible job. More on that later.
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