Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

We just returned from Sulawesi where we flew to the central town of Rantepao. This area is known for the Tana Toraja culture. It is a relatively untouched culture - maintaining many of their century old traditions.

We found a fabulous tourguide (Jo Jo, a native Torajan) that brought us closer to the culture than any book we could have read. He took us to a funeral on Wednesday which is a very elaborate, multi-day ceremony that takes place months after the person has died. Depending on the person's class, determines how elaborate the ceremony and how many pigs and water buffalo will be sacrificed. After three hours of observing the funeral ceremony and with the heat rising, Karen lost her nerve to stay and watch the water buffalo sacrifice. As we walked away, we could literally hear the animals squelling. Apparently this is the big draw for tourists.

Our highlight was a day-long trek up the mountain side - through villages and rice paddies. The children were a riot. They would see us miles away and shout across the rice paddies "gula, gula?" Do you have candy? Our guide was great and would say "Candy isn't good for you." Since we had no candy, one went on to ask for my sandals...then our car. It never hurts to ask, eh?

For more on Sulawesi, click here and/or click here
For more on Tana Toraja, click here