Sunday, October 25, 2009

*Flashback* 19 September - Our Last Day

We've really had a good day today. It is the eve of Hari Raya Idul Fitri and Richard's office is already closed.

We went out for breakfast at our regular noodle place. After that, we did one final tour of Palembang in the car. It was only around 8am and there was no traffic. As we drove around, the scenes that were initially so foreign to us looked so normal. At one point, I did wonder to myself "Why do we need to see this? Buildings and cars look the same everywhere." Of course, they don't and I might as well make some new memories of the place so that it will take longer for them to fade.

Then, we got the idea to take Richard on his very first Angkut ride. Aaron and I have been several times with Iwan but Richard was always at work. This was the first time we went without a guide. I needn't have worried, the driver and other passengers on board were very helpful. Richard has also never visited Iwan at his new home so the mission was to catch and Angkut to Perumnas and walk in to Iwan's house. I rang ahead to ask the name of the road that we needed to get off at and when we got there, Iwan was already squatting by the roadside waiting for us.

The trip to and fro reminded me of how helpful and friendly the people here can be. They always stare at us because we speak in English but as soon as you flash them a smile and say something in Indonesian, they really become warm. The women on the bus were chatty and the helped Aaron on and off the Angkut.

After nearly three years here in Palembang and being surrounded by motorbikes daily, Aaron finally got to ride on one.



We had a good final day here. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity to spend this small part of our lives here in Palembang. Tomorrow, we start a new chapter in the adventure of life which is both exciting and scary.

2 comments:

Mike said...

So is Aaron getting a mororcycle for Christmas? Come on Mom, It'll help him adjust.

Cynthia said...

That is a pretty sharp bike! Good luck with the next chapter:)