Wednesday, 16Aug06

Highlights: hanging out with a few friends before I leave Yogya, getting my scooter back, preparations for Indonesia’s Independence Day (tomorrow)

It may have been yesterday, but I decided to cancel my planned trip to Manado this weekend. It just didn’t make sense to spend more money & rush through a trip just to say i’ve been to a place. I can take my time & see northern Sulawesi later. (sorry mas Parker!)

I spent the afternoon visiting with a few friends in my last days here in Yogya, and praying that my scooter would be fixed & ready today! So I don’t have to depend on other people for rides.

All over town, there are a lot of preparations for tomorrow’s Independence day. Fresh paint on the neighborhood placards & monuments, a special effort to clean public spaces, and flags everywhere.

My host dad says the flags are semi-compulsory. The un-written rule is such that, the RT or RW neighborhood chief will take note of homes not displaying the appropriate patriotism… Everyone I’ve met seems proud to call themselves Indonesians… and sure enough, I haven’t seen a house without a flag flying this week.

I did get my scooter back by 4pm today! Which is awesome. $27 was the total bill for replacing 2 farings & getting a new sticker to replace the scratched one, + a new brake handle. (another thing to love about this country!)

I played a little frisbee on the kraton field today (= and heard a roving pengamen group with talent! (street performers)