In June 2017, I embarked on a motorcycle trip of more than 3000 kilometers from the island of Java to Sumba.
On the 1st of July, after a week's rest at Pondok Wisata Cemara in Sumba, I left this haven of peace by motorbike to go to Waingapu port. The owner of the hotel did not want me to go alone so one of his staff guided me to the port.
A surreal night trip among the beasts |
Ferry from Waingapu to Aimere. A Night Trip.
When I arrived at Waingapu harbor, the ferry's lower and upper decks were already filled with passengers. I climbed to the second floor, straddling the passengers lying on the floors in the corridors. There were people in almost every nook and cranny of the ferry.
I found a small, narrow space in a corner where I sat for six hours on the cold sheet metal floor.
I found a small, narrow space in a corner where I sat for six hours on the cold sheet metal floor.
The drivers of the trucks, of the cars and motorcycles had started their engines
at least ten minutes before landing.
The lower deck was bathed in nauseating smoke and the noise was infernal.
at least ten minutes before landing.
The lower deck was bathed in nauseating smoke and the noise was infernal.
From the port of Aimere to the village of Bejawa
In Bajawa, the body heat I had accumulated in Aimere quickly dissipated because of the cold mountain air. When I arrived at Lucas Lodge I had a throbbing headache and I was shivering. I quickly went in, booked a room and asked for hot coffee. I sipped my coffee Bajawa Flores with delight, thinking that I would retire to my room and rest until the next day. BUT...... | …A young man named Risky sat down next to me. Risky was the owner's son. He told me that a ceremony was taking place in a village nearby. "Oh no," I said to myself. Carl, you need rest. Do not leave ". But nothing to do, an hour after my arrival, I was at the house of Risky where he dressed me with a traditional sarong of Flores. Then off we went to attend the ceremony. |
Ceremony to celebrate a newly built house
The way the animals are brought to death is not something I liked to see; but to be polite and show the owners and guests that I was honored to be part of their ceremony, I started taking photos.
The camera acted as a sort of shield hiding my feelings of pity.
The camera acted as a sort of shield hiding my feelings of pity.
What a privilege!
I was invited to enter the new house.
The traditional houses of Flores are comprised of a central room that serves as kitchen,
bedroom and room to receive family and friends.
bedroom and room to receive family and friends.
The oracle
An Oracle is the one who knows that he knows nothing.
Everybody knows it. But all go along with this illusion.
As long as he predicts that the harvest will be good and the children will be healthy (C.V.)
The owners, seeing that I was a friend of Risky and that I participated in a polite and respectful way to the events, invited me to enter the central room of the house. When I climbed the three steps to the inner sanctuary, I felt extremely shy and privileged.
The room was dark and smoky

The oldest, the one, which seemed the chief, analyzes the shape and color of hearts and livers.
He is an oracle announcing the future of the family.
The owner and his wife smiled.
I think the omen was auspicious.
Back at the lodge,
Risky's mother served me a piece of liver cooked in a typical Flores sauce.
Looking at the contents of my plate, I wondered what the Oracle would have prophesied to me.