Shoulder to shoulder the movement was like that of a great river, bodies flowing through citys central market one day before Nyepi. The scent was indescribable; fermented foods, raw meat, human odor, exhaust, spices, flowers, food, satay fire, perfume, waste and incense rose into the windless eighty-eight degree evening air as thousands of people made their way through the narrow passage between stalls gathering supplies for their new years offerings. Gamalan could be heard just above the din of traffic and murmur of bargaining. A head above the crowd I watched people part for those carrying heavy loads upon their heads as well as letting the aunties pass quickly, because aunties are the glue that bind all. Most all stalls selling goods were closed for the grand holiday so all up for trade were food stuffs and spiritual accoutrements, this meant I did not find what I came for. Remaining in step with the flow, body pressing against this and that here and there until the great river birthed me onto a side strip of traffic flowing back to where I entered. My smiling eyes met those who smiled back, a surprised look thrown my way but all along an understanding of togetherness as the river ran through. Its as if I was in another time, on a distant earth, a series of moments that will not soon be forgotten.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:04:10 +0000
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