Buffal.... Oh! :-(

Well, the traditional Torajan funeral happened today. And frankly, I am still a little traumatised from it. Seriously. I think even Mat is still affected by it.       

The rituals, costumes, dancing and ceremony was completely fascinating - it really did feel like we were watching a documentary unfold in front of our eyes as the elderly lady that passed away was being honored. But the animal sacrifice was just too much for me and even Mat at some points.

I thought I could take it. I really did. I thought by averting my eyes I could deal with it all. But even that didn’t help. It was all a little overwhelming.

I know these rituals have been going on for hundreds of years if not thousands and very much part of Torajan traditions. I know animal sacrifice is very much a part of many traditions. But I felt ever so sorry for the poor buffalo. And the pigs. In fact, I’m feeling a little tearful now just thinking about what happened to them. I’m such a wet blanket.

If you are really interested in finding out what happens, Google it. I don’t think I could describe it here. Also, I don’t think I can eat buffalo ever again. Or beef. Or pork for that matter. Frikkin hell, at the rate I am going, don’t be surprised if I turn veggie :-(

Also, Mat and I are completely embarrassed by some of the tourists that were there. We tried to distance ourselves from them and their appalling behaviour and even now we still can’t believe how some of them were carrying on. We like to think that the son of the lady who’s funeral it was knew that we were being respectful and we felt that he acknowledged this. But by merely being tourists ourselves, did we get tarnished with the same brush? I really hope not as I would hate to be thought of as ignorant and thoughtless like some of the idiots we saw today.  

For example; we were invited to this funeral regardless of whether it came from a guide or not and tradition dictates that a gift is given to the family - usually sugar and cigarettes as a mark of respect.  Gifts not expensive for a westerner and readily available in shops here. Did some of them bring any? No.  Do people not read up on things they are about to see?
The huts built to greet guests with tea and coffee require footwear to be taken off. Did some of them do so? No. Only when they were asked by elders (and me) did footwear come off. They must have thought I was a gobby cow but who cares.     
Did they even acknowledge the family member that was amongst them? No.
Did they not realise that standing in the middle of the ceremonial square to take better photos and video of the whole thing that they were getting in the way of the whole ceremony? No. Thankfully they were moved away - fast.
Did they realise that it may have been deemed a little disrespectful to have a photo taken in front of the coffin carrying part like they were on a beach? No.
Why would you film at length a buffalo being slaughtered? Take a picture fair enough but a video?! For what reason? To show your mates on your widescreen back home?

I could go on. Other people’s behaviour never ceases to astound me.  But how different were we by even being there? Yes we stayed at the sidelines observing from a respectful distance but the Torajans didn’t dissuade people from attending. It’s a win-win for them as they get gifts and prestige. Maybe it's just me?

Anyway, loads more to write but I better stop because I’m going off-piste with this blog and I am tired. And I have my lovely QUIET room to sleep in. Good move changing hotels.  Anyway, I’m off. Sulawesi - goodbye and thank you. Java island here we come!