Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Yesterday, as we were leaving the house on the river, we met Nellie. She had just finished washing her clothes and having her bath in the river.
We chatted with her for awhile and shortly into the conversation, she invited us to her home. Her house wasn't one on top of the water. We had to wind through the alleyways and walk along an old railway track to get to her place. 
I took a peek into one of the houses. This was the kitchen, living room and dining room. I'm sure it is also where at least one member of the family sleeps each night.
When we got to Nellie's house, she showed me her work. 
She weaves the traditional Kain Songket to sell. I think this was the reason why she invited us back to her house. And I don't think she was trying to get me to buy it either. She was just very proud of her work and wanted to show us what people in the area did. (When we met by the river, I was asking all sorts of questions about life there and what people did for a living.)
People always ask me what there is to see in Palembang and I used to tell them that it is one of the most boring places on earth. I was so wrong! I see things differently now. There may not be any "touristy" things to do here but there is plenty to experience if you're interested in people.
Bilbo - Thanks for the encouragement. You have given me a great idea for something new to work on. I'm not sure that I will be able to pull everything together in a meaningful way for a travel magazine but I'm going to try. Like you said, all they can do is say "no".
Mike - I'm always looking at those other details too. Regarding the television, every little house had one. AND, they were ALL on.
Nap Warden - Imagine if someone from the homes you have been posting about did a house swap with these people!! Reality TV HIT!