Sacrificial Goats

Marni, the kids and I went to a beach town of Pelabuhan Ruta. It reminded us of going to any other mountain town back home. There were little huts, stores and then a little town site and a few hotels. However, instead of huge hotels lining the beach, there were disheveled mom and pop restaurants and kiosks selling snacks and telephones.

One thing that caught our eyes was the pride people have in their property. Of course, we all have it. But, when you see what a house can look like here, you would think to yourself that these people are obviously just happy to have a roof over their head. Many of the houses are made of woven bamboo walls, some have thatched roofs. Often, the roofs are made of corrugated tin. But, as we were driving through some small towns I saw people painting or gardening and I thought "How interesting that they do still enjoy what they have." Back home, we might enjoy what we have but we all secretly want a little more. Or are envious of those that have more. I am sure they are envious, too. But, they seem a lot more content with their place in the world. That is good considering that there will be more space at the top for me!

Another image that struck us was the goats lining the streets. Everywhere we looked there were three or four goats just hanging around. Sadly, come Wednesday, there will be a few less goats. There is another Muslim holiday where the tradition is to sacrifice a goat and eat it. What brutes! What Archaic traditions! Who could ever imagine a holiday where a helpless animal is fattened up only to be sacrificed, hollowed out and stuffed with other food in order for humans to satisfy themselves? ......and then watch a football game?........and put a rock in their living room? No wonder 98% of Americans shown on Fox news (and 100% of goats) don't like Muslims!!

We were also privy to a number of 'make work' projects for the locals. Definitely, with western economies in the tank our governments can take a few ideas with them. For example:

When part of the road is washed out, instead of fixing the road, a few locals get together to direct traffic across the one lane of the road. Meanwhile, they hold out a collection box to take donations for their service.

Makeshift "toll" roads are erected in random spots along the mountain roads. But really, they are so non-aggressive that you can pass through unscathed.

The lifeguard on the swimming beach also moonlights as parking patrol. There was a large field for parking and about two cars. But, for 20 cents, he will help you back out. I do think that if you don't pay him a small child will "accidentally" be found under your vehicle. Meanwhile, there were 500 people swimming in the water.

Children with umbrellas running around parking lots just hoping it rains so they can cover you as you get out of your car. We would have about two or three of them racing to the car to save us. Fortunately, being an ignorant white person gives me license to not tip Plus, I don't know how much. I did give $5 to the lady who picked up Marni's shoes.


Some other events of the weekend:

Marni left her runners laying in a parking lot. Thank goodness they are so big that when we returned we found two local children playing in one of them.

There was, what seemed to be a local "Corporate challenge". Whoda thunk that Indonesian's can play beach volleyball? There were dancing competitions- a dance similar to the "Electric Slide" line dance was done.

Cows on the beach. Real cows, not fat ladies. Possibly just as funny but less awkward.

We saw an Indonesian Midget. Quite cute.

Don't wear life jackets in the ocean. Good words from the local (french-speaking) surfer guide, Dude.