& the merry making goes on…

They were all smiles =)

That’s about the ONLY presentable photo of me, & Barbara. After drinking by the bucket loads, it felt like my face was red to the brink of exploding…

Me, in less photogenic mode. Boy, was I smashed…

It was only about 3 in the afternoon & we’re just slightly past halfway of the visiting schedule. That longhouse was probably the longest by far…the greeting protocol? Warm greetings from the kind folks as you enter communal ruai, lining the whole length of the longhouse (which may run the length of 1/2 an airstrip), eagerly offering shots of the Gawai official drink.

30 households = 30 shots of tuak on-the-rock. Even before you get to get to your seat. That was one heck of a drinking marathon, glad that it never turned into a puking one =p

Spent the later afternoon recharging & leveling-up our tuak-drinking-competency in preparation for the main fiesta that night back in Rumah Panjang Gensurai.

Finally, some familiar faces from workplace…

Getting a handful over a tuak-serving lesson

~ It does require a lot of effort & mastery, more than it looks

Nostalgic shots eh..

The party’s just getting started…

But some of us have already passed out…

Had lotsa fun doing the Para-Para (or was it called Poco-Poco?) dance thingy… even the rhythm-dead feet of mine found its groove =)

2^nd June ’07 ~ Parting shots

It's been a wonderful experience to be able to sample traditional harvest festival celebration, the authentic way. Truly enjoyed exotic feasts & the hospitality of the people.

*Thanks to Barbara & family, really appreciate it. Brandon, Colina & Chris, u guys have been real good company! Gabriel, i still owe u that 27 shots; & also to friends who were part of the experience, hope u guys enjoyed it as much as i did. =)