It was just another day riding around Jogjakarta in our bikes, hunting for delicious Indonesian street food – or so we thought.
Maybe it’s true that amazing things happen when you least expect it. Because there we were, casually riding our bikes around Jogjakarta hunting for street food, when suddenly we were witnessing a huge parade. It was crazy amazing. There were people in traditional costumes were gathered at the end of the main street, gamelan players doing a soundcheck, and bystanders giddy with excitement for everything to start.
And then there was me, the token white lady who’s snapping photos faster than the speed of light. But, if you’ve ever been in a situation where you feel electricity in your fingertips from all the things happening around you, then you’d understand why I kept taking pictures.
The slow, methodical sound of the Javanese gamelan started to hover in the air. This is the signal, I thought to myself. Everyone moved forward and the procession began. The costumes were a sight to see as it represents all the groups in Indonesia through their traditional clothing. Apart from the subtle differences in clothing, it was also interesting to see the subtle differences in demeanor by the different groups. The Balinese were very stoic and formal as compared to the wild Dayak men of Kalimantan who were dressed up as birds with feathers in their arms and beaks attached to their faces.
Of course, not as soon as the parade happened, my camera’s memory card was filled already. Yes, while one of the most amazing thing that I have seen during my visit to Indonesia is happening. Can you believe it? But maybe that was just the Universe’s reminder to be in the moment, to take pictures with my eyes instead.
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