Festival time
17th August is Indonesia’s Independence Day, and in the run-up towards that, there is a lot of activity here in Wanci. So Nuzri thought it might be fun for us to take part in a celebratory parade. How could we resist?
Nuzri & Ms Anna, and a little helper with an invite
As far as I can work out, celebrations start on the 13th with a parade for the kindergarten children; the 15th is a parade for adults (surprisingly, that is the one we were to take part in), and the main event – with much music and formality is on the 17th.
Kindergarten Parade
On the afternoon of the 13th, we walked with our student guide people to see the kid’s parade. The effort put into this by the parents and teachers is a sight to behold. The costumes are incredible – and the kids amazing.
Here in Wanci, as with the other places we have been to in Indonesia, we remain a novelty. As we walked through the crowds, parents would stop and ask if they could take our photograph with their children. The kids might not have shared their parent’s enthusiasm, though.
Go on – smile
Soldier
Parade Prep
Ready to rumble
Bad selfie
Military out in force
Looking cool
Looking bored
Just looking
Princess?
Army, Navy, Medics and Teachers
Regional costumes
I don’t know, but they look smart
International Parade
I’m making this up – I have no idea what the purpose of the parade was except that it is linked to Indonesian independence. What I do know is that it started at 0630 when Ms Anna dropped off Maria’s costume, followed by a make-up session onboard Jamala at 0800 – accompanied by waffles. I mostly hid in the bedroom – only coming out to take photos on demand.
Breakfast
Slap
Getting ready for the parade
Posing
More posing
Brits abroad
Brits and Australians abroad
Home and overseas – look who’s holding the baby
Flag bearers
The people here are incredible. There seems to be no edge, and they are genuinely pleased to see you. Everyone made us feel very welcome, and we never once thought that we were being set up for something / manipulated or shafted. It’s a lovely place with lovely people and we will carry with us fond memories of our visit here.
But it was time to leave. We wanted to visit more of the Wakatobi National Park: Kaledupa, the KA in the Wakatobi anagram, and the nearby islands of Hoga and Sampela, all just a few hour’s sail away.
I especially wanted to see Sampela – home to the Bajoan people, also known as the Sea Gypsies, who have evolved over the years to hold their breath underwater longer and see better underwater than we mere mortals could hope for.
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