Farewell Sulawesi
Posted on July 22, 2010 by Joe
It’s hard to believe I’m on my first leg home. I’m currently flying to Denpassar, and in a few short days I’ll return to the U.S. I’m on the same plane that brought me to Sulawesi, and its surreal that time has gone by so quickly. While my six weeks in Sulawesi went by quickly, I’ve learned much. I’m more convinced than ever of a need for sustainable, low cost solutions to household drinking water, and my understanding of emerging market distribution models has increased substantially.
I initially found Makassar overcrowded and chaotic, but the city grew on me. With help from Ririn, Rizky, and Melly, I learned my way around and found several hidden gems. Mie Titi and Konro Karebosi – two enormously popular local favorites – became my top choices for lunch, and for a quick snack Mama Gintu was always available to serve Pisang Epe, or grilled bananas in palm sugar. Although served from a rickety streetside cart, I never got sick from this or any other Sulawesi meals. This was a pleasant surprise; perhaps my years in Africa sufficiently equipped me to handle street food in exotic countries.
Among other things that surprised me was routine things can feel in just six week’s time. On my final trip to the airport, I took the same crowded road that provided my first impression of Sulawesi, but it now seems familiar instead of overwhelming. Even the strangely flavored pastries in my on-flight snackbox have a familiar flavor.
Overall I’m really excited to head home, as I miss my wife, family and friends greatly. Regardless, I find my departure bittersweet. I’ve never enjoyed goodbyes and Sulawesi is no exception. It is unlikely I will return to Makassar, at least not in the foreseeable future, yet I’ve become friends with many of my colleagues here. Also, in my time on the ground I developed a comfortable routine, from where to eat to my favorite hotel to a regular sunset run on the beach. From the mountains of exotic Toraja to the beauty of rural Palopo to the urban madness of downtown Makassar, Sulawesi has been an incredible experience, and it will be missed.
My Final Sulawesi Sunset
