remember hearing about Merapi last year as it is a volcano that nearly erupted last spring. Lucky for us, it's on a low simmer at the moment, but as we climbed the rocky peak, you could feel the warmth of the rocks and see, feel and smell the sulfur-infused steam escaping from cracks in the mountain. We peered into the mouth of the volcano, but alas saw mostly steam pouring up and out. The next morning, we visited the colorful, local market. Enough description, see for yourself!
My friend Suli got married last January and invited me to her wedding! The wedding itself was nothing we in the west are used to - more akin to a very long receiving line. The bride and groom dress up like a prince and princess of their ethnic tribe, in this case Makassarese from South Sulawesi, and spend the entire night on their feet under hot lights greeting well-wishers. No booze, no dancing, and everyone leaves after they've had a bite from the buffet. Not much fun for the bride and groom, but at least they looked great! Also above are children akin to a ringbearer and flower girls. On the bottom is Suli's proud mom - a universality.
