[My cousin Iman and his son holding the same book I gave Iman 11yrs ago]
| Today's first stop was at my cousin Iman's place located within
the military residences. It was quite a little journey to get there from
the guarded main gate. The compound is really really vast and much cleaner
as well because the guards screen out who is allowed in. His home is full
of life, his kids are really playful and friendly. Always talking to me
but I have no idea what they're saying! hahaha... maybe within a couple weeks
I'll figure some of it out. They were also very curious about my camera
and how they can see the pictures instantly after I take it, which in turn made
them very photogenic.
After some playing around and waiting for them to get ready (Irfan and me did a surprise visit at 8:30am), they decided to join us as we made our way to Taman Ni (still in Jakarta). |
[Cats in Indonesia aren't domesticated, they're wild in the streets, kind of like squirrels or chipmunks. Except they wander into homes]
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Timan Ni is kind of like a theme park except what's on display is every single different culture across Indonesia. Showing how each area and tribe are completely different in Architecture, Decorative art, Wedding ceremonies, food and mythological figures. My jaw dropped when I first laid eyes on this place. I think there were about 27 full different setups. Each one unique and extremely gorgeous in it's own way. I faintly remember it from when I was here last however it's nice to have his refresher. I just kept stopping and stopping the vehicle so I can get out and take more and more pictures. Today was also especially hot because the storm clouds cleared, beautiful sunny day with blue skies but I was sweatin'! Also on display were different style mosques, churches and Buddhist temples. The idea behind the park was to unify everything that composed Indonesian culture. Trying to break any social barriers various areas have against each other by bringing everyone together in one beautiful display that is Indonesia art and culture. |
[on our way to a nearby mosque]
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Next stop was this really really big mosque called Masjid Ajong on our way to drop off Iman and the gang. Yes that's me wearing the Muslim hat (dunno what it's called). trust me, it was alot easier for me to wear this at the mosque. This way people didn't treat me like a tourist and look at me funny, instead they showed respect for the fact that a foreigner is following their ways.
Although this one wasn't as big as the one I went to yesterday downtown, the sense of deep calm power was still very much present. I was once again honored to be in such a beautiful place of worship. Everything is kept very simple and blunt, to free your mind of any little details so you can properly expand it to Allah. Very interesting and spiritual design concept.
My uncle was also telling me that for the last 10 days of the Ramadan, some people will stay at the mosque for 10 days straight, praying and clearing their minds the whole time. Seems very extreme to the western world however if you think about it, it would work if you could do it. This combined with the fasting (no food, drink, smoke or sex during daylight) is their way of clearing the body and mind so that you can start the next year with a fresh physique and soul. The whole no eating and drinking thing has also been proven to be very healthy (all year round you eat and drink whenever you feel like it, most of the time over doing it) |
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We started the day early so we ended it relatively early. After dropping of Iman at his place, Irfan and I made our way back to his home where his wife (above in red), daughter (above in yellow) and my grandmother eagerly awaited us. I took a good nap and woke up in time for the breaking fasting which was a very nice and completely authentic meal my grandmother had cooked for everyone. We also purchased some food from a passing merchant (8 bowls of steamed veggies, fish and something else for a buck fifty).
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[Me and my grandmother sitting peacefully outside after dark]
