Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Pasar Malam Besar


This is me standing in front of the entrance to the Pasar Malam Besar ("Evening Market" in the Indonesian language). As I entered I was transformed by the sounds of crickets and various aromas of spices and flowers.

This is probably the world's largest Eurasian festival in the world. Its roots lie in the Dutch East Indies. Eurasians are the descendents of a mixed breed primarily between the Dutch and Indonesians. It's kind of like a big family reunion and a time to check in with one's roots in the form of dance, music, crafts and of course FOOD ! My husband and I were there in 2005 and really enjoyed it. The series of tents looked like Cirque So Le. One does not have to be Eurasian to attend - in fact, many other ethnic groups attend plus the Dutch and other Europeans because it's so colorful and festive and has great food. It is worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Click on the green link above for more details.

The Japanese Invasion

The Japanese invaded and occupied the Dutch East Indies from 1941 to 1945. Many of our grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, cousins were in the middle of this occupation. They endured P.O.W. camps, internment camps, torture and eventual evacuation never to see their homeland again. Please click on the green link above regarding the Dutch East Indies 1941-1942 campaign.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Old Wedding Photos



I just love old wedding photos from the Dutch East Indies. Please share yours if you have any.