The island of Sulewesi--part 2

Not being very proficient on the computer I am struggling with this format and unable to complete the posting in a single part so: to continue--the architecture of this area is distinctive with soaring rooflines and colorful wood carving of the beams on both the houses and rice storage barns. If a family has wealth the front of the home is decorated with the horns of the water buffalo that were slaughtered for the burial rites. As part of the tradition, babies that die younger than 1 year are frequently buried in a special tree in which a hole has been carved. It is then covered with bark and the tree absorbs the body. Adults are buried in a small hole carved in the side of a stone mountain. The hole is then covered and wooden statues are placed on a balcony to guard the tomb. Marriages are elaborate ceremonies that take place all days of the week and are generally located close to the highway so tourists passing by are frequently invited to join the festivities. As there were no tourists on Sulewesi other than our group of yachties we were in demand and delighted to share in the occasion. The guests were dressed in their finest clothes, the brides painted heavily with make-up and adorned with rich robes and jewels. In the heat and humidity they must have been miserable as there was no air conditioning inside the tent where the wedding took place, the air was not moving and sweat was running down our faces like a river.

The island of Sulewesi-- Indonesia

The island of Sulewesi is located in the north central part of Indonesia and the rally stopped at the port of Makassar, our first large city since Australia. This area is noted for ship building which is done with wood and primitive construction methods on the beaches without nails. The results are extraordinary! Only twelve yachts from the group ventured here and we were able to take turns traveling inland while the others watched the boats for security. Theft is not so much an issue as is the anchor not holding or a boat developing a leak. Our travels took us south to observe the ship building and also north to the mountains to observe the burial customs of the local people. Bodies may be kept for an indefinite period of time until the family has saved enough money to purchase and butcher water buffalo for the village.

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