It seems that whenever I visit somewhere new one of the first places I head for is the harbour. Today I made my way to Sunda Kelapa, the old port to Jakarta when it was still known as Batavia. Many of the surrounding warehouses date back to the mid 1600's and the time of the Dutch East Indies company or VOC.
There is something especially magical about old ships. These are Makassar schooners, and they are being loaded and worked on just as they would have been centuries ago. I found myself humming Old Man River on my return trip.
You and me we sweat and strain
Bodies all achin' and racked with pain
Tote that barge and lift that bale
Ya get a little drunk and you land in jail.
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| These guys were keen on taking me for a row. I swear, if you fell into this water, the flesh would dissolve from your bones, so I graciously declined. |
Great photos Marissa and I just love some of your garden photos as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm becoming more familiar with blogs by following (and commenting) on my niece's blog of her travels through Africa on her own and well away from most tourist spots - fascinating but hair-raising.
Thanks Cathy. Blogs are a good way to keep in touch and to keep and share photos. Your niece must be having a wonderful time.
DeleteIt looks a very busy place - so much going on. I especially love that first shot of the older gentleman.
ReplyDeleteHe definitely still had a roguish charm and a twinkle in his eye.
DeleteIs it a fishing village? look interestinG!
ReplyDeleteNot really a fishing village, Malar. They seemed to be loading cargo, unless it was supplies for long stretches at sea.
ReplyDeleteWow. Fantastic photos. I'm fascinated by these boats. I grow up in a shipbuilding town and live in a port city now, and I do the same thing when I visit a new port city for the first time: head down to the water. That's the heart of the place! Great post. xo G
ReplyDeleteThanks Gigi. I hope I can get back for a return visit.
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