All the trees in the field Clap their Hands for You

Can you imagine that, Sem. Isaiah wrote, you shall go forth in peace and the trees and the hills before you, they clap their hands for you. How cool is that! What made him think so? It’s a great narrative, though.

I bet Isaiah traveled a lot. And he enjoyed traveling. If not so, how could he wrote that inspiring verse. When I traveled back on train, It was one of the most enjoyable train trip I’ve ever had. On my left, the rice fields, the hills and cities. And on my right side, the Java Sea. beautiful!

When I saw the trees, I thought, their trunks resembled feet of a great flock of flamingos. And I could see they cheered me. I guess Isaiah was right. They clapped their hands for me.

Antiquities Is in Vogue, also in La Vogue

Jalan Pemuda in Semarang is full of surprises. There are many old buildings. I admire the facades and I wish to see the inside. That morning after Christmas, I strolled along the street and I found this attractive La Vogue. It turns out to be an antiquity store. While I was windowshopping, the door suddenly opened. I was shocked. The owner apparently had seen me and he invited me to step inside.

It is full of antique stuff, from books, rings, photos, dolls, old world souvenirs, bottles, to paintings. Thought, I can get used to this place! Even more, the owner invited me to take a look inside and upstairs. it reminds me of that house at Jalan Argopuro, Lawang. Sturdy wooden stairs, wooden floor, large windows.

I wish to sell it, said the owner.

If I might suggest, Pak, you could turn it into a guest house. It is a very nice place, people would love it, I said.

Wide Eyed Adventure

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(photos by Diah R. Sulistiowati)

You come in the wrong time. That’s what people said to me, MbakDiah and MbakTeja. We came to Alor when the west monsoon came. The sky was grey all the time and the dark clouds kept sending heavy rain. The sea was welling up albeit remaining calm.

I could have drown in sadness and regret, but I just forgot to do so. Every thing I saw was quite new and I love the scenery. I indeed said to myself that it must be more beautiful to see them when it is not raining. But strangely enough, I just forgot to feel resentment.

All things bright and beautiful, even in bad weather.

I was surprised to find that even this old grey brain played a tune to the trip. I didn’t give command to open the file. It just played John Rutter’s song over and over: Look at the world, everything all around you. Look at the world and marvel every day…

A Village with a View

 (photos by Diah R. Sulistiowati)

Desa Takpala is every tourist’s imagination comes true. If they want some authentic things to see in Alor, then this village is what they want to see. It is located up in the hill, overlooking the sea. I could see Mali Airport and Sikka Island from up here.

How do you feel to wake up in the morning and see the beauty? I asked one of the residents, referring to the great view of the sea.

He just smiled broadly. I can see whales from here, he answered, much to my envy.

Whales?! I was shocked—and envious.

If they leap above the water, it means rain is coming, he said. And if they raise their tails, it means, we could plow our lands.

How could that be?

Our fathers said so, and I think it’s true, he said.

And who am I to argue?

Angels, We Haven’t Heard on High

The orgel (pipe organ) inside GPIB Immanuel, Semarang, is special. In the whole Indonesia, instruments like that are only a handful. This instrument is, like the church itself, centuries old. It has been repainted, I can see. It is adorned with four cherubs. Two blow their trumpets, and another two are strumming their harps of gold.

I wish it could be played and I could hear its heavenly sound. If the bells in the Notre Dame Cathedral is recently restored and rung after 160 years, why can’t this orgel. Let me write a letter to the church to inquire.

A Devout inside The Temple

So, on that Christmas day, I went up to Klenteng Sam Po Kong in the outskirt of Semarang. I thought, it’s a kind of tribute to the ancestors. Among many things that capture my attention was this man.

He was praying and I could see he, wearing grey uniform, works there. And he is a muslim.

He was praying, eastward, among the pillars of the temple, dedicated to Confucianism. And after that, he continued doing his chores of cleaning and lighting up the candles.

Isn’t he the living example of tolerance?

Dive and Jive

 

 Photo by Dwi Ariyogagautama  

I am so overjoyed having ever dipped in Alor waters. It was a rainy day, with big waves and strong current yet my friends and I endured them all and enjoyed it. Welcome to west monsoon, said Yoga. Indeed. I only dived once but it is one of my best experience albeit brief. Definitely look forward to dive in Alor again.