Love Island Travel

Linda’s story is somewhat a reflection of Aceh itself, sad but uplifting. His life was changed forever there is a little less than ten years when December 26 ^e 04, a series of three massive waves swept his hometown of Banda Aceh, taking with it his mother and almost all his family. "The night before the tsunami, I'm home my mother intended to spend the night, but my youngest son was very upset and insisted that he wanted to sleep in his own bed at home a few kilometers from the . my mother's house I relented and we left at midnight, and that saved my life, "Linda told with great sadness

Linda -. Photo by David Metcalf

"I lost about 100 members of my family that day and there are times that I wanted, I was part of them, especially as my mother miss him so much. "Linda told this story Aceh very unfortunate but not unusual in the comfort of her home, she turned into a residence.

Homestay Linda was created five years ago as there was a housing shortage and the influx of people into the city to help with cleaning and rebuilding the city, it was an essential demand for housing and accommodation. Linda likes to welcome guests and treats them like family. She is very proud of his city and is a source of knowledge about the history and Aceh culture.

"We have had enough suffering and pain in Aceh. For 400 years, we fought and people have become tired of the conflict. We were ready for peace and now we want with our lives with a positive outlook for the future. "

Linda is a devout Muslim and received reassurance from his troubled past with prayer. She sees a bright future for her two son, ages 17 and 19, and any money that it can do his business back by supporting their education

Aceh is a beautiful place with beautiful beaches, green lush paddy fields, tropical islands such as the island of Weh. - a diving paradise just 30 minutes Banda Aceh -. a deep and fascinating history, but its real beauty lies in its people

"We feel very grateful for all the foreign aid that we received after the tsunami. Now we want to repay that recognition and respect by showing them the positive things about our beautiful country. This year is the tenth anniversary of that terrible morning, so we hope many people will come and see the wonderful progress that has been made and what a great success it was. "

[1945032Homestay] Linda - photo by David Metcalf

Linda is confident more tourists will come to Banda Aceh and discover the beauty of the area and the rich Culture Aceh, but it is also aware of the negative image Aceh in the media and believes the only way is to greet people with love and respect and treat them like family.

she loves cook traditional Acehnese food and is very happy to be a city tour guide to take people to the many sites in this attractive, clean, city rebuilt.

Staying in Homestay Linda was for me a wonderful insight Aceh today and love and positive outlook for the future, Aceh is in very good hands.

Homestay Linda
lindahomestay@yahoo.com
811 680 305 +62 / 082 364 364 130

Parlez You bahasa

For most people, the Indonesian language is undoubtedly one of the easiest languages ​​to learn. It has a very simple grammatical structure, it does not have the time and it uses the same alphabet as English and several other languages. Better yet, the language is phonetic, and therefore the words are very easy to spell

Among non-native speakers of Indonesia, there are six steps to the base capacity :.

1. Not a word: This is obviously the level everyone is before you start learning and the level at which some expatriates remain, even if they live in Indonesia since 50 years. Many who progresses from the first stage to the second stage or beyond may as well stay at the first stage because they speak with their native Indonesian and Indonesian accent not understand a word they say anyway.

2. Taxi language: The basic vocabulary of English is four words; kiri kanan terus and "stop", and the majority of expatriates each of these words must be accompanied by animated pointing and gestures - left pointing regular or right to kiri or kanan, the right index finger down and sweep forward for terus and vigorous tapping on the shoulder of the driver to "stop". In the end, the more adventurous expat can add the word berapa in a tone of questioning to find out how much the trip cost, but the majority will just read the meter, hand on the rounded amount to more near ten miles and exit. Some will add a summary 'makasih as they left the taxi. There are, however, some expats who will engage in a tense stand-off and time with the driver as he fumbles with liveliness in his pocket pretending to seek change while hoping that the small will get tired of waiting and let him keep. I saw this battle will continue for a while when my friend Jock English teacher out of a taxi.

3. Enough to get into trouble: At this stage, non-native speakers of Indonesia can find their confidence reverse in taxis, order in restaurants and amaze the visitors (and other expatriates who are still in the first stage). As long as everything goes as expected this level is quite impressive, but things can go wrong when the Indonesians assume that "Indonesian expatriates is fluid and start talking to them at the same speed that they would talk to an Indonesian. This is when the expatriates shopping for a new pair of shoes end up going home with a bag of sugar and a toothbrush.

4. Conversational At this stage, the expatriate Indonesian speaks quite good and can actually get through a conversation with an Indonesian by understanding most of what is said and nodding knowingly at the right time. Occasionally there will be a word or phrase that the announcement has not heard before, but usually meaning can be gleaned from the context and the expatriate will disappear with a fair idea of ​​what the conversation was going, and Indonesia will go home convinced expat fluent Indonesian. Later, both discover how wrong they were.

talked 5. Current: This is the stage where the Indonesians on their Indonesian expatriates compliment and ask how long they have been in the country. Each possible answer is filled with an expression of surprise or because the expatriate's been here so long or because the expatriate learned good Indonesian in a short space of time. Anyway, the conversation will often in areas that most foreigners are not really comfortable talking with someone they just met, so little will end up pretending to be the first step to avoid sharing the most embarrassing details of their lives.

6. Fluent spoken and written: Very few reach this point, and those who sit proudly in Indonesian restaurants smoking kretek and reading Kompas . Many also wear batik all the time, put their hands in the chest after they shake hands with you and act like there is no tomorrow.

The vast majority of expatriates will have somewhere between stages two and three, no matter how long they have been in Indonesia. At what stage are you?

In Europe, the holiday season begins in June and lasts until the first days of September. The longest day in Europe is called Solstice 21 ^st of June and some Nordic countries celebrate the moment with a car-free day. The peak holiday season is in July and August, so prices skyrocket in general 30%, while in some southern countries such as Italy, August is the month where all major companies are out and time leisure has priority. Thus, tourists who want to go for a trip across Europe can already observe promotional advertisements in the media. Many of us use advance web search portals to find the best price offers. However, those who want to find deals for themselves and do not want to stay only in one place should consider the option Multi City offered by major airlines.

multi city Options are offered by all major airlines, sometimes under a slightly different name, such as multi destination or multi Stop.

to optimize your flying experience, think about choosing airlines from Europe with a hub in Europe. It is likely that European regulators apply on all the strict rules that protect airline customers like no other place in the world. Customers in Europe are protected regardless of the country of origin and for any claim, you will be treated with great attention, which is not always the case with other carriers, as basically they are out of practical options over there.

More information about your consumer rights can be followed on the official website of the European consumer centers network of the European Commission:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/ecc/consumer_topics/air_travel_en.htm

Here you can find RIGHTS OF EU COMPLAINT FORM AIR PASSENGERS (just in case).

When a customer interacts with a scanner search flights, it will quickly conclude that not only return tickets are cheaper than buying a way, but they are based on promotion the destination, when in reality they are updated only one way! This leaves extra space for cautious buyers who want to reach an agreement on promotions in both directions. The optional multi city book provides an opportunity to discover that, for example, you can fly to Europe, arriving in Frankfurt and leave out of Rome. Multi city is also a way to plan flight at no charge to the airline. For example, you may want to stay in Paris for three days and continue your journey in Munich later with the same ticket printing by the same airline.

An alternative strategy for saving money is a triangle of road, especially when you consider that Europe is a small continent after all. For example, flying from Jakarta to Amsterdam, take a train to Berlin, and fly out of Berlin to Vienna, later leaving Europe in Vienna. For such connections, multi City is an option. Some frequent business travelers might want to train their secretaries to optimize the search for price or schedule around a favorite airline.

A tip of the location of the air hub comes into the picture. Flights to or from a hub for air transport in particular in either direction is always less expensive. But then you discover that the triangle logic is a little contradiction to one return flight cheaper. And yes, you'd be right, except if you consider that your last flight is empty. In other words, passengers taking flights from a given hub and never take the return flight. For example, a one-way ticket price from Frankfurt to Amsterdam is 500 EURO, but either way is less than 0 EURO. Want to fly back if you want to be in Italy at the same time?

• KLM hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
• AIR FRANCE hub is Paris Charles de Gaulle airport
• LUFTHANSA has its center in three cities: Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt

a tip for cheap "empty" is to choose a rare promotional destination or to a distant date. For example, your last flight segment "empty" is expected next year in February, so the price offered air-transport is now quite low.

Some airlines impose limits on multi city bookings up to four segments and some others require you have a next time to order. However, a passenger may have two or even more tickets so that the entire flight path can be divided into two tickets, but transmitted with the same airline, which in most cases also guarantees the connection to the case where your previous flight was delayed by the same carrier.

Another benefit of flying with a regular airline instead of cheap airlines is that they offer reduced rates for teenagers - depending on conditions - from 75% to 0% of the regular price . Infants under two years for most children fly free trolleys are available from the airlines on request.

In conclusion, the combination of the above tips should bring much better results than any sophisticated scanner fly. I must admit I've never met a travel agent who cares enough to discuss these options. When traveling in Europe, you have to remember that all travel options depend on your visa limits of the Schengen zone, as all European countries are in Schengen. Have a nice trip!

Clafoutis

Eurostar is actually not the best way to get to Paris and London. In Bali, you can enjoy jump in these two European cities that are famous for their lifestyle, taking only a few steps.

Charlie's bar and bistro in the heart of Seminyak. This classic London-style place with a big red circle window on the front panel is also known as Charlie Mansion, a house in a mythical character named Charlie that nobody has met but knows. This man Charlie, I said, is a well-traveled guy who likes to live a good life. He knows how to eat well and do the party, and the like when people have a great time at his home while he is traveling around the world.

The smile of a host greets me at the door, and the voice of singing Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black', with the lively buzz inside windshield crowds of Seminyak goodbye. For me, step by step in this house is like entering another dimension. Its eclectic atmosphere Sun transports me into a realm of romantic fantasy hedonistic in a country unknown wonders. My playful mood swings suddenly in wild imagination. The place is full of mystery, a playground for people who want to enjoy serious fun and great epicurean delights

Charlie Bar and Bistro, which has the glory of unique baroque interiors similar clubs gentlemen from London -. With large hanging chandeliers and handmade furniture that fill the room - was famous for its parties. For almost a year, many great pleasure took place here, triggering fantastic performances as DJ, dancing, cabaret and burlesque guests to Charlie. The bar on the second level offers luscious selections libation; collections of cigars and cocktails are the talk of the town. Charlie is a place where cupids, angels, and sin no borders.

But a new surprise will add another dimension here. A new prolific chef, Damien Le Bihan, in partnership with the four current owners, is ready to take the helm as chief executive and reorganize the culinary performance of Charlie. This, Brittany original French-born chef, who is proud of his indigenous blood, will present his signature style of classic French cuisine, the newly opened bistro. The bistro will take pride of place on the first level of the building, splashing a whole new atmosphere with the shade of a Parisian neo-retro bistro with French vintage prints on the walls, antique lamps and a mirror wall.

Le Bihan has years of experience working in Michelin-starred restaurants. After graduating from cooking school, his career began in the kitchen of a local restaurant in Brittany, before taking off for a more serious at Michel Rostang, a 2-star Michelin in Paris. Shortly after, he stepped up to become a sous chef at Guy Savoy, a Michelin 3-star restaurant in Paris.

His serious in the kitchen made him send Guy Damien head abroad for its cuisine Las Vegas, and two years later, Le Bihan began directing Guy Savoy Singapore as CEO. Before arriving in Bali, he ran ten kitchens in a group of restaurants in Singapore, which include L'Entrecote, Sabio, Forlino, The Vintage House, and Le Petit Cancale.

"What do I use Charlie is a logical continuation of what I've learned over the years," he explained. "It's important for me to like the food I cook. I will serve the guests something I would enjoy. Otherwise [then] I will not send it. "

Taking this new experience seriously, Le Bihan said he will focus on the presentation of the true nature of the ingredients and the creation of a twist on the rustic style of French foods, amending characters heavy according to the tropical heat.

"My style meets the product, and you know when you eat what you eat. You can taste everything; you do not have too many flavors. It is the same style and the idea of ​​what I'm doing for years, "Chef Damien continued.

Grilled sardines

The food, holding light but characters are bold and lush at the same time, will be divided into tapas, appetizers, entrees and desserts, served from 18 am until the end. the result is extraordinary. His ideas Tartine sardines grilled on the multi-cercal bread house with black olive tapenade and French rillettes are perfect to accompany your constructed and muddled cocktails, mixed and shaken. the grilled sardines offer a clear and lively character of salted fish with fine salt brought from France and balanced with fresh diced tomatoes.

I tried juniper and refreshing cucumber martini to drink the night pair with salmon rillettes, served in a glass jar with homemade ciabatta bread grilled on the side. Rillettes Le Bihan stimulate a light but rich taste and perfect with a kick sprinkled lemon zest.

Beef Cheek

The respect shown to the main ingredients, without adding a lot of noise and flavors, is also shown on the main course. I sample the braised beef cheek, which is cooked in a Burgundian style with wine and spices for several hours makes beef truly succulent and rich in flavor.

The size is a surprising factor that adds to the joy. Although the chef Damien said he prefers not to use oversized foods, generosity is evident regarding the desserts. I am overwhelmed when part of the creme brulee arrived on my table. The size of this creamy dessert may seem daunting, but as I picked up a spoon and tasted the taste of freshness and light burst and I easily completed without any problem. I never had the creme brulee as good as this

As the clock ticks by, the music gets louder and the crowds fill the building and the mezzanine floor .; Charlie seems to know how to create one hell of a good time for us all entertained. I enjoyed the best of France, it is now time for London.

Charlie Bar & Bistro
Jl Petitenget 5, Seminyak
Bali, 80361 Indonesia
P. 0821 474 17332
hours: 18 hours - 2 hours (Monday to Saturday)
Email: mail@charliebali.com

www. charliebali.com

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan is now booming. For non-Muslim expatriates recently arrived in Indonesia, it can be something of a culture shock. Yet many expatriates are embracing the holy month to varying degrees. Some expatriates even eventually convert to Islam before marrying an Indonesian and observe Ramadan seriously

Ramadan this year began June 29 and ends July 28 The first two weeks have coincided with two major events :. The World Cup, which ended July 13, and the presidential election on July 9, the uncertain outcome of what is causing no small amount of tension. It may be a blessing that people will still be fasting when the official election result is announced on July 22, the real loser must accept defeat with grace and humility, rather than anger that could spark conflict.

The purpose of Ramadan is to purify the soul, mind and body. It is on the development of self-discipline, so that the body can resist bad habits and sinful desires. It is about acting with respect and compassion, get closer to God and help the needy

Every morning the holy month begins with sahur -. The meal before dawn. In many neighborhoods, there are multiple calls, either from the battery being wheeled on children, people who heard metal pipes on fences or loudspeaker of the mosque - and sometimes three

Some people have half a dozen mosques. their neighborhood, all with a different time for the announcement of sahur, which seems to go 2:20 to 03: 40, so if you sleep through the first, you can get to the second. loud cheers of the viewers of televised World Cup this month's matches also awaken sleeping.

Inner Peace

PR, a British civil engineer based in Jakarta, has been observing Ramadan for many years and says there is a sense of accomplishment and inner peace at the end of each day of fasting. However, he said the fast is not easy. "If I'm at home or in Jakarta, not on a long trip in a remote village, I go fast. The day before I prepare a meal with protein to keep me in the day. Setting my alarm for 3:30, I get up and eat before the fasting time, and then say the morning prayer. Then I try to get another couple of hours of sleep before heading to a normal day at the office. "

When the workload is not too heavy, he tries to leave his office for about 16 hours, so he could go home to break the fast after maghrib, the evening prayer . "Otherwise, I break the fast with my office in about 18 hours."

PR said it is difficult to fast if it is in London, especially during the summer when the sun is not before 22:30. He said one of the simplest pleasures of Ramadan in Indonesia is breaking the fast with his wife. "Just a simple cup of tea with an Indonesian sweet dish to give us back our d energy. the fasting month is a time of reflection, back to basics, and it makes you realize the important things you need in life. "

the fasting month is followed by holiday Idul Fitri period in which urban residents traditionally move to their hometowns to be with their extended families.

PR said he usually travels to East Java on Idul Fitri to visit the village of his wife's parents. He said the morning prayer of Eid in the village is kept in a field with a volcano in dramatic backdrop. "Here I can meet all the guys from the village, and there are religious but festive atmosphere."

The annual family meeting is a cherished tradition. "Everyone is in good spirits, but there is a serious time too, when everyone asks forgiveness from their parents and siblings, and vice versa, the mistakes made in the past year, "said PR.

"Then the second day of Eid, it's time for neighbors to visit, and all kinds of traditional snacks are prepared in every house to get people down in. The Indonesian traditions are really something very different that we do not live in the West these days. "

marketing

Just as some Christians in the West mourn marketing of Easter and Christmas , as do some Muslims feel that large companies drowns the meaning of Ramadhan. Rizqi, an office worker in Jakarta, is from the town of Pekalongan Central Java, known for its many Islamic boarding schools. He was raised to see Ramadan as a time for better prayer to approach God. "My first two years in Jakarta showed me a different face of Ramadhan; it is the month of discounts and sales ... During Ramadan, instead of tingling in mosques, people will swarm in malls. "

Rizqi said Ramadhan in Jakarta is also a time of" excessive socializing ", most revolving around breaking the fast, which is known as buber ( berbuka puasa ), or iftar in Arabic. He says it's not uncommon to receive an invitation to a fast breaking event almost every night.

"You may also be invited in activities Buber post. Unfortunately, the ones I attended were far from religious. They included karaoke, watching movies or chatting with old friends all night until the time of sahur. So we often forget to pray when the time comes. Or do we simply choose to forget? "

Office hours

Some offices in Indonesia can allow workers to leave early during Ramadan so they can return home in time to break the fast with family members. These first brands does not always mean that people will get home before 18 hours.

Take the case of Lina, a bank employee in Jakarta. She left happily his bank early on Monday to take a train to his home in Banten, west of Jakarta. by taking ojek (motorcycle taxi) of Tanah Abang station, she was confronted with a sea of people. a technical problem on the line had caused delays. When finally a train arrived at the platform, the patience of commuters had evaporated.

"Everybody pushed, pushed, stepped on, elbowed , kicked and shoved each other, either going down or, "says Lina. "Everyone wanted to go home early for iftar and taraweh prayer. It got worse at each station. Overpopulation, the snail pace speed and broken air conditioning exacerbated the nightmare."

She said a passenger finally fainted in the heat of the car. After over an hour of discomfort, the passengers heard the call to prayer, but there was no joy because they remained trapped inside the train. That said, one of the points of Ramadhan is to learn to endure hardship without complaint.

cutting Conversions

When men here expatriates decide to convert to Islam, it is usually because they married an Indonesian woman whose family insist her husband should be a Muslim. Some men think they should be circumcised to become true Muslims. The Koran does not cover circumcision, but it is mentioned in some hadith (reports on the words and activities of Muhammad and his followers) and the sunna (Islamic customs based on the teachings of Mohammed).

The time for circumcision is usually around the age of seven, sometimes earlier. John, a New Zealander living in South Jakarta, said he converted to Islam when in his mid-30s, in part to please his future wife and family. "He was everything to her, so I did."

He decided to be circumcised before conversion. "You do not really need; no one checks, but I thought it would be an interesting experience and something to tell That certainly proved to be the case." He recalls.

"Snipping top small appendage of a young boy without any problems. Men, on the other hand, have little control over the tumescence of their penis, especially during sleep. That first night after surgery, jumped on every point that was holding it together. It was like I was shot in the groin. It heals terribly. "

despite mixed feelings about his circumcision John is fond of Idul Fitri. "I like to return to the kampung for Idul Fitri with family. Aside from the problem of driving there, of course, given the traffic. Once home, however, it is a pleasant experience. "

For expats who decide to become long-term residents, embracing the faith or at least the spirit of Ramadan is not only about fasting, but to get closer to Indonesia.

This may seem as if I do, but did you know that it is possible to spend a weekend away from Jakarta, in the hills of the Sundanese campaign without having to get in a car or languish for hours in bumper- to bumper traffic? All that is needed is some planning. But first, let me tell you about the magical place, and then I go to the secret of how to get there.

In the foothills of Gunung Salak volcano, and near the city of Sukabumi, is a small place called Cicurug. There, a few kilometers in the hills is a farm called Portibi. But Portibi is not only an old farmhouse; it is an organic farm, the fruit of a dream of a young Californian with a love for Indonesia. You may ask: how a bule California end up on the side of a volcano in West Java? The farm is a joint venture between Jocean Bowler, from central California, and its Indonesian original host family. After arriving in Indonesia in the early 00s and its hosts Jocean decided to create Portibi in 04 in a clove farm that has not been used to its full potential in 15 hectares of hillside. Putting aside the thesis of his master on land use in Indonesia, Jocean realized he had a more important mission. With an emphasis on living in harmony with the environment and not beyond taking what is made, Jocean on building a firm that would preserve the flavors, endemic natural beauty and local crafts that Indonesia is in danger of losing his rush towards modernity. He created a refuge from the city using the inspiration of the past Sunda, complemented by touches of modern technology to make it all work.

Select your own organic product Portibi Farms

Today Lodges Ekologika to Portibi Farm is still a work in progress. Although the main living areas are complete, including a sumptuous dining room, large kitchen, Cannibal Lounge Pacifist, only three hectares are cultivated. The farm has accommodation for up to 30 people in a dispersed collection of bungalows and huts made with recycled wood from mostly older buildings. Some cabins are traditional Sundanese rice barns apart and reassembled at the farm. All are lit by solar energy; Solar cells absorb sunlight during the day and spread light through the light bulbs in the night. But nature has its limits: if you leave the lights on for too long, they lack the juice. A well stocked bar is conveniently located in the lounge, which is ideal for strolling. It also contains a collection of board games, books, music largely of the 1970s and 80s, and a guitar for those who want to strum.

Included in the price of a stay in Portibi are three healthy meals one day, who strive to make good use of organic farm products. But fear not, Jocean always love a good steak or fish fillet. An excellent cook, Jocean and well trained team throw together the most delicious natural and tasty dishes using influences from around the world. And there is an excellent wine list if you want to wash with something special, like a full-bodied Italian red. They can be organic pioneers, but they like to live in Portibi.

One of the must-dos while Portibi is to go on a walk around the property. Visit workers and perhaps learn more about what they grow and lend them a hand planting or gathering a basket of arugula leaves or parsley for dinner. You can also collect all the green you can choose to take home.

Do not forget to take in the nature that you insects, birds, sounds, smells surrounds. But beware of the tracks; beautiful creatures they are, but they can leave you with the itchiest rashes. You can not miss the butterflies here and hitting enough to visit Portibi reason; tropical varieties as big as your hand flit from plant to plant. If you are really keen on the side of agriculture of things, Portibi is also a member of the WWOOF organization, meaning Willing Workers Opportunities on Organic Farms. WWOOFers can spend three weeks or more to the farm with free accommodation and food if they contribute by doing the job of a decent day every day.

Accommodation Portibi

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, there is a great hike up into the national Halimun jungle park that is above on the slopes of Gunung Salak. The trek leads to the waterfall and rock pool Citaman where if you want you can jump in a cool bath. The hike takes 1.5 hours to the waterfall. If you are in the most intense treks or even expeditions to the summit of Gunung Salak (a good 5 hour climb), they can also be arranged with a little advanced planning.

And now the secret bit. Believe it or not, Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), the Indonesian railway company, has revitalized a track in the hills of Bogor. The train goes to Sukabumi, then go all the way in Cianjur. It is the journey of about an hour in Bogor Cicurug, the nearest station to the farm and, if the weather is clear, can provide stunning views of the peaks of Gunung Salak and Gede. The three trains a day are in high demand, especially on weekends, so it is essential to book online in advance. The train from Jakarta to Bogor is simple, but then you have to walk about 400 meters from the main station of a smaller adjacent station from where trains depart for Sukabumi.

So what are you waiting for now that the secret? Go green in Portibi!

Just call the farm (0266) 257 7115 or email info@portibi.com to make a reservation and book the train, called Pangrango , on the site of KAI, the www.tiketkai.com.

On finally have the chance to visit Bajawa, Flores, I noticed "Jawa" in the name. When I finally had the chance to visit the famous traditional houses Bajawa Bena, I learned that it was no accident

Despite my first impression though, I did not immediately connect :. The traditional houses of Bena are some external resemblance to the Javanese joglo , but they are also very different.

Born in Pati, a coastal village in north central Java-Bena ancestors sailed to Flores there 1,050 years. Their ship was aground on the southern coast of central Flores, and its bridge became the neighborhood Bena. Descending down to Bena, you can see the traditional houses lined up in a pair of curves in the shape of a ship's deck.

Bena The district is named after one of the seven founders of Java. Due to the practice of polygyny ancestors, the people of Bena track of common ancestors with people Maubena, Likowali, Benaliwo and Watujaji. Men leave homes to live with their wives of their first parent families, and if the first wife's consent, to spend time in the homes of his other women.

There are 45 traditional houses in Bena, six from each of the nine clans living there. Made of wooden walls, roofs of reeds and bamboo floors, these traditional houses speak volumes about the kind of local concepts that culture is based.

In the space between the undulating rows of houses, there are male altars umbrellas called form ngadu altars and female called bagha , which look like miniature houses with high racks in the center.

Watunabe is believed to have been erected by the giant Dakhe there are about 1050 years. The dolmen that looks like the dining table is the origin of the name Ba-plate Jawa Java.

Rituals involving ngadu and bagha are conducted by the household of a woman. The ngadu pole is used to tie cattle. Rope, pe'u symbolizes children born out of the man and the woman's union, forever bind them together.

To marry a woman in Bena, a man must first commit to three prenuptial Service -Year his father-in-law to be, then present a coconut offering, chicken, leaves betel and areca nuts to the family of his wife-to-be. If they accept the proposal, the woman's family slaughtered a pig and organizes a festival called Zeza . Then they welcome the groom, sitting him on an altar in the center of the house, and he officially becomes a husband.

Although most of the inhabitants of Bena now converted to Catholicism, the Zeza marriage and ngadu-bagha rituals come from pre-Christian practice ujukuwi . Ngada in the local language, ujukuwi refers to both an offer of prayer, and the name of faith. Followers of ujukuwi worship a "Heavenly Father" called Nitu Gale, and raise prayers to him by a personification of "Mother Earth".

Pak Kasmir, a local elder who for a small fee guide told me, "people tend to generalize these indigenous beliefs such as animism, but I refuse to label as such Ujukuwi . There were many generations here before Catholicism reached Flores, we already know God and prayed for him. "Pak Kasmir claims to have studied Islamic studies and lived in Java for 50 years with his wife, a native of Purworejo.

tradition that Bena was built by a giant named Dakhe, wearing magic rocks near the Mount Inerie to erect the famous Neolithic altar watunabe in the center of the village. Among dozens of standing stones is a large dolmen resembling a dining table with a round basin in a center like a cup holder on the folding table of an airplane seat.

"It is on this dolmen we raise our ujukuwi to our ancestors. This is where the name comes from Bajawa: it means "plate of Java," said Pak Kasmir

Dakhe was considered a man of great strength .. "It's like Goliath. But I think that Goliath had to be smaller because David so easily struck him with a stone. You can not do that to Dakhe. If Dakhe wants fish, he walks into the sea. He catches shark by the tail and slap them. Porter rocks that made this watunabe was a breeze for him, "said Pak Kasmir.

We then visited a traditional house. "The traditional house has three floors Bena But people often mistake this for Java. It is three stories high, but three floors inside," said Pak Kasmir

the southern end of Bena, outlooking hills on the south coast of Flores. the Savu

Sea

the first floor is the open wooden air terrace where residents perform daily activities, such as weaving and woodworking, and flaunt their wealth in the form of bull horns and pig tusks previous celebration ceremonies. The second floor is the versatile central room where the family sleeps at night and where mataraga altar is. Behind the altar is a small sliding door on the third floor, where one must kneel and bow. The third and innermost floor of the house is a kitchen with an oven wood.

A good time to visit Bena is December 27 at Reba celebrations. Reba, traditionally celebrated on 15 December, is the New Year Ngada. However, since December 15 might interfere with Catholic commitments before advent, Reba celebrations are now postponed until after Christmas and just before the new Christian year.

I ended my visit to Bena climbing the south end of the neighborhood where a small shrine to Mother Mary overlooking the lush hills of Surelaki. deep shades of blue nature left me questioning where the sky ends and the earth begins. As the fresh breeze quiet play with my hair, I say goodbye to Bena with images of Javanese ancient marine and mobile giants mountains, establishing a settlement whose legacy has lasted a millennium.

Quick Facts

Country: Indonesia

province Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)

the largest city: Kupang (capital of NTT, Timor Island)

ground: 566 islands, 47,349.9 km ²

the highest altitude: Flores Ranakah - 2350m AMSL

population: NTT - 4,899,260 (BPS 2012 estimate)

Getting there :. Daily flights Ende Kupang, Surabaya and Denpasar, the 4-5 hour drive from Ende to Bajawa

Alternatively, fly to Bali to Labuan Bajo (8 -9 hours) or Maumere (7-8 hours)

What to bring :. hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, polished dress (covered shoulders and knees), camera, cash for entrance fees and guide, cigarettes offer local men (especially when photographed) .