Travel with Irwan

All the villagers went to light candles to their relative’s graves to invite all the spirits to get involved in the ceremony. I and my relatives went to our grandparents’ graves in order to invite the spirits to be together in “ Penti ” celebration. Bapa Riska who led the ritual at the cemetery had on his hands betel and cigarettes made from palm flower and tobacco that rolled together. It is believed that those are what our ancestor used to consume and smoke when they were still alive. It can be true because this habit is still seen in the current generation of Wakos people. Bapa Riska (right) preparing cigarettes served at the graves After all villagers did rituals at their graves, they were getting prepared for the main event. Adults had their towels on their shoulders and went to a spring for taking baths. Children shouting when the very cold water hit their bodies and women with their babies gathered to wait for their turn. When the day was getting dark, the chief of the village...

Go Beyond Borders During the pandemic, all 8 regencies in Flores established blockades in their borders to prevent from the spread of the Coronavirus, only those who can show their travel documents issued by their Head of the regency and Health certificate who can pass the border. As for me who have stopped working in tourism since February, to stay at home is no longer safe for survival, I had to work outside to support the family especially working which is enough for foods. Wakos, the village where I grew up was chosen to be my escape. Knowing that East Manggarai Regency where Wakos is located still in the green zone making me feel alright to spend my time for main reason to harvest rice with relatives. Like some other people saying that it is not a matter of how to improve your life but how to survive in this difficult times. So, for me rice is main thing to possess so that I and the family still survive during pandemic. Wakos is a village situated in the valley about 900 m...

Manulalu, the Pyramid Mountain, and the Jurassic park of Flores  My first page of 2019 was begun with a tremendous trip to the village hidden in the jungle, Wae Rebo. It was not because of the destination which made it memorable but the journey and lots of luck behind it.  This time, we started the trip from Bajawa, which is about 8 hour-drive to Dintor, the base of Wae Rebo. When knowing this many hours drive, it was only predicable tire appeared in mind added with the story of some bumpy roads created how crazy the trip would be. But, hold on! That was not the end of the story.  The incredible thing before the trip was the atmosphere around Manulalu Vila Bajawa where my guests Ben and Tim were picked up. They were amazed and energized by the beautiful sunrise and sunset around Manulalu with view of pyramid mountain, Inerie.  View around Manulalu, Bajawa This had made us felt that there would be miracle among the storm. Almost the whole part of the isl...