The Wordsmith

A few years back, I went to Java. The non-touristy bit. To visit a friend. It was my second visit.

My camera and I made love to the people of Java. I loved taking photos of the people there. Surabaya was pretty much as I remembered it from last year, though things seemed cheaper the year before. Maybe I’ve just gone stingier.

My mind wasn’t quite geared for a holiday. Neither was my heart. But being away from Kuching is always a breath of fresh air, especially now that I’ve become a lot more sedentary.

Three hours away from Surabaya is the town of Bojonegoro - every bit as rustic, dusty and raggedy as I’d left it the last time. And the people, as lovely as ever. One of my favourite new friends is this Nenek (Granny) I met. She lives in the village of Tanjong Harjo. She’s the sweetest little thing. She loved having her pictures taken but she was oh-so-shy at the same time. She’d cup her face with her hands and giggle each time I held up the camera. She reminds me of my own grandma, who still visits me in dreams once in a while.

I don’t know if I will meet Nenek again, so this entry is for her. For touching me with her loveliness.