While driving back to Ruteng, I kept passing little pavilions playing loud music. People were started to gather, and looked excited at the prospect of a party. What could all these parties be?
I stopped at the little coffee shop run by the friendly family, and the husband explained that today was first communion!
When I got to Ruteng, I went to the convent. This is the “in” place to stay in town. But the nun turned me away because the music was too loud. People take their first communion parties seriously in Flores.
I checked into the Rimi Hotel again, which I stayed in on my first visit. Unlike last time, it was full of bule. The helpful owner invited all of us to first communion parties with his family.
I followed him on my motorbike, and when I arrived, there were only a few bule there. Where where the other foreigners? It turns out he has a big family, and took people to different parties!
They had a buffet of food, rice wine, and karaoke. Everybody was very friendly. It was a fun night.
While singing karaoke, I put my camera on full auto and gave it to a local. He took some pretty good shots.
