Makassar, Indonesia

Mon March 4, 2013



one of the mosques in Makassar

Today we made our second port of call in Indonesia.  We visited Makassar (Ujung Padang) on the island of Sulawasi.  It felt like a mini Jakarta.  It was a very busy city especially compared to the laid back feeling of Bali.  This city is in a predominantly Muslim island of Indonesia so there were many mosques visible from the ship.  “C” and I stayed onboard for much of the morning. 

 

 

 

becak ride

 In the early afternoon we went with dad for a ride in 2 Becaks.  It was a bit harrowing at times, especially since my driver tried to dump me on my nose right when we started- he didn’t see a hole in the pavement I guess.  I have a souvenir of a bruise from that but it was still a fun experience.  They took us down to the Fort Rotterdam and back. The Dutch ruled this area for a long time and hence the name of the Fort. 

view from the becak

 

This was much more of a developing country feel than Bali had been.  Our friend who is from Bali, had told us much of Bali is well employed and worst case there is “working poor”.  Sulawasi had more evidence of struggles, “C” and dad saw someone pick corn up off the street and eat it.  “C” didn ‘t male a big deal of it at the time and barely even commented during dinner discussions.  It was just explained that people don’t have a ton there and it may have been more than he would have had to eat that week if he didn’t eat it.  There were also children begging and trying to pick pockets and again we explained adults were making them do it and they didn’t have much.  It was quite a different experience from Bali, but still an enlightening one. 

boats in harbor on sail away